…for irish flutes. I have a problem with my new cheap flute which I bought for backup if something happens with my desi seery… Lower octave is impossible to play. Can I do something with it to improve it? I noticed that the embachoure on it is almoust a circle. Is it recommendable to enlarge it to became oval? Or can I do anything to improve it somehow? Whistle players can boil them and other tricks, but what can you do with flute?
Thank you…
We need to know more about your flute. Is it delrin, or PVC, or bamboo? How “cheap” is it, and how much modifying are you willing to do to it?
If it’s a bamboo or delrin flute, I would contact the maker. I know a little bit about PVC.
I make my flutes ot of Schedule 40 PVC; thick stuff, almost 3 mm thick.The embouchure hole is oval and begins as a 3/8" hole. The far edge you blow against is undercut so it forms a sharp wedge; that gives a good low D. The finger holes are undercut on the side facing the embouchure hole for freer blowing and better intonation in the upper octave.
Still, I’d contact the maker before doing anything else. Good luck to you!
I suppose you play floot?
And how’s your Croatian, Geoff?
I’m with Greg. Tell us more, what make, maker? And, is it a circle or an oval or ~ ?
This thread may have been forgotten, not by me. I have a number of flutes on hand here, some complete, some in process, several centuries worth and a few different makers, but all wood, if a variety. I decided to give them a go backwards, which took some struggle initially fingering wise, however, they ALL were playable switched around and played lefty, undercutting aside. Funny, some were actually easier that way around. I’ve no idea why exactly, but it was a fun surprise. That said, each instrument takes a slightly different treatment, an adjustment to start with till I find the sweet spot, whatever side I’m blowing from.
You might try just playing the head until you find where it works best for you. If you don’t already know this trick, remove the head, cover the open side against, in this case, your left palm (but you could try and compare both directions), and then practice your emochure until you get the best sound you can. The bottom note on any flute is the last to master true, speaking in the 2-octave range. That’s not saying there aren’t badly made flutes…
Best of luck…