ive decieded to move on from the tinwhistleto flute and looking for advice. i have a small budget of ~E180 and am stuck between the dixon 3 piece and 2. i am slightly worried if i bought the 3 piece and couldnt manage to play it would be money wasted initally. my otherchoice is to start with the 2 piece, see how it goes and if it all works out, progress to the 3 piece... i am aware this would be more expensive in the long run but it would be easier to try it out. but if the 3 piece is the way to go. . ? I NEED advice thanks in advance ..
Have confidence and certainty in yourself that this is what you want to do. Go for the 3 piece. In fact I would suggest stretching your budget if possible to buying a good blackwood flute for twice the price of what you say. When you get older you will accumulate more money, so it won't be wasted now. And even if your interest flags you can always sell it. Good luck in your decision.
If you're just starting, you should buy a Tipple PVC flute (just google it). They are great flutes, are cheap, and hold their value well. As to the Dixon, the three-piece is MUCH better than the two-piece - the two is really poor, actually. I personally think the Tipple is better than either of the Dixon's. As to the advice about starting with a wood flute - not a bad idea if you can afford it, but even a Casey Burns Folk Flute (a good choice, btw) is above your budget. Bottom line - get a Tipple to see if you can play and then move on if you see the need. You can keep the Tipple as a "beater"/camping/traveling flute anyway.
thanks all i think ill go for the 3 piece.. will my lefthandedness affect this even though i plan to relearn righthandedly (incase it doesnt work out).. .?
Which hand do you have on top when you play whistle? I'd stick to the same way round for flute (although some people do manage to change over when they swap instruments). If you play whistle with your left hand on the top 3 holes, then you should play flute 'right- handed'. If not, and you're ordering fro Doug Tipple, just e-mail hi and ask. He's a nice guy, and easy to do business with.
thanks ethnic blend ! umm right/over/left on my tinwhistle and i have attempted to change before but it never worked out.. I've always been aware of my lefthandedness even though ive read about people who were unaware :L
plan to order my flute in the new year.. cant wait.. will ask Dixon are they already made and is the best way to order my Dixon piece on tonydixon.co.uk as im in ireland..?
I disagree with ethical blend - you should try to play right-handed. Reason? If you ever DO move on to a higher-end flute, you'll have to get it by special order. I don't think makers charge more for this, but you'd probably have to wait longer (and unlikely to find one used). Similarly, when you end up selling it 'cause something better comes along (you will!), it will be difficult to find a buyer. If you end up with a keyed flute, the situation is even worse.
Well, that's what I do anyway, plunk. And I think I'd probably do the same if I were left-handed as well (ie play right-handed, for the reason you say). However, in my experience in Irish sessions, there seem to be about 1/3 or more of flutists who play the thing left-handed, so I don't think it matters too much if it's Irish music you're into. Quite a few left-handed players play right-handed, keyed flutes. They can't use the keys properly, of course, but I don't think they care. Just like you, plunk, I'd care. But they don't.
Chicken_little, I think we've covered it in your last discussion, but here goes:
I started out on Dixon three piece (played it for 1.5 years) and I'm left handed, playing the flute the leftie way.
First of all Dixon is not a hopeless, but not a thrilling instrument either. I shouldn't make decisive judgements, as I've played only two 3-piece Dixons in my life, but I don't find them particularly user friendly and I had some issues with higher notes - (upper part of 2nd octave was noticeably sounding lower than the 1st octave) - which I didn't have e.g. on Seery or M&E flutes, not to mention high-end makers.
If I were starting out again, I would now choose one of two options:
1. Go for Tipple, save up money, buy something good.
2. Save up a bit more and buy e.g. Casey Burns folk flute, or some other decent instrument that you will enjoy playing.
I wouldn't go down the middle way, which is neither especially enjoyable nor cheap. (My real preference would be to go for Seery polymer first, and then save up and buy some real beast).
As to playing left-handed, there's no difference when you start out, so why make your life more complicated? Unless you like to "stand out in the crowd".
I used to like me being different from almost everyone else and them noticing: 'hey, you're a leftie!', but since I grew less self-enamoured and more practical, forcing my left-handedness where it was avoidable became a string of minor inconveniences. It is NOT a big deal, just a waste of energy. It's not that I regret that I don't play right-handed - it's rather that now I am aware of the limitations I imposed on myself.
From experience I can tell that selling or buying used left-handed flutes is a pain. And of course, you can play the right-handed instrument holding it in a left-handed way, but again, why make your life more complicated? Especially that sometimes the bore is not symmetrical, so you effectively agree to a reduced potential of your instrument.
Sumary of pros:
If you start to learn right-handed, you will have a wider selection of flutes available and would be able to try out other people's flutes without hassle.
If you start left-handed, it will make a good starting point for chatting up flute players of the opposite sex (or same sex, depending on your preferences). Also, if you play in a band with another flute player, you could do the Lennon-McCartney trick. But that's about it.
You're not going to get a very satisfactory instrument for E180. The Dixon I played was playable but not satisfying. It didn't resonate very well compared to a wooden instrument. You'll probably regret not buying something better.
I would recommend a Hammy practice flute because it is the only cheap flute with an embouchure cut by a master flute maker. Then start saving for a good wooden instrument. You will have to decide about handedness ahead of time, as Hammy undercuts the practice flute embouchure so it's not symmetric.
As far as I know almost all quality flutes have their embouchure's cut asymmetrically- There is a real difference between l & R handed keyless flutes.
Only you will know if you really can't play right handed. The advantages of doing so are large.
Also, try to get a real flute if possible. Or get a Tipple and save for a better one.
Worth mentioning again that there are many fine used flutes going up on the Chiff and Fipple Used Instrument exchange board: http://forums.chiffandfipple.com/viewforum.php?f=35 . Also be sure to check the Sold/Old subforum for ones that got away...
These may be a bit beyond your budget, and if that is the main consideration, and you aren't sure of your path with the flute, I second the suggestion on a Tipple. However, as others have said, I also believe that it is worth investing in as good a "certified" used instrument that you can afford, as they are both likely to maintain their value and are typically more satisfying to play.
I'm still enjoying my practice flute & will keep it in the future once I purchase a wooden flute. My friend has a wooden flute, also made by Colin Hamilton, & I play his sometimes. The practice flute cost me €70 + €5 for shipping to the U.S.
i am left handed and play flute right handed. It makes no difference really at the end of the day you are using both hands when you are playing and one hand is not doing any more work than the other.
I would go for the hammy hamilton practice flute they are really good i borrowed one of these from a friend until my flute arrived definitely recommend these.
Beginners flute
Beginners flute
ive decieded to move on from the tinwhistleto flute and looking for advice. i have a small budget of ~E180 and am stuck between the dixon 3 piece and 2. i am slightly worried if i bought the 3 piece and couldnt manage to play it would be money wasted initally. my otherchoice is to start with the 2 piece, see how it goes and if it all works out, progress to the 3 piece... i am aware this would be more expensive in the long run but it would be easier to try it out. but if the 3 piece is the way to go. . ? I NEED advice
thanks in advance ..
# Posted on December 26th 2010 by chicken_little
Re: Beginners flute
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/index/search?name=beginners+flute
# Posted on December 26th 2010 by J.D
Re: Beginners flute
Have confidence and certainty in yourself that this is what you want to do. Go for the 3 piece. In fact I would suggest stretching your budget if possible to buying a good blackwood flute for twice the price of what you say. When you get older you will accumulate more money, so it won't be wasted now. And even if your interest flags you can always sell it. Good luck in your decision.
# Posted on December 26th 2010 by Rudall the time
Re: Beginners flute
If you're just starting, you should buy a Tipple PVC flute (just google it). They are great flutes, are cheap, and hold their value well. As to the Dixon, the three-piece is MUCH better than the two-piece - the two is really poor, actually. I personally think the Tipple is better than either of the Dixon's. As to the advice about starting with a wood flute - not a bad idea if you can afford it, but even a Casey Burns Folk Flute (a good choice, btw) is above your budget. Bottom line - get a Tipple to see if you can play and then move on if you see the need. You can keep the Tipple as a "beater"/camping/traveling flute anyway.
# Posted on December 26th 2010 by plunk111
Re: Beginners flute
thanks all
i think ill go for the 3 piece.. will my lefthandedness affect this even though i plan to relearn righthandedly (incase it doesnt work out).. .?
thanks in advance
# Posted on December 26th 2010 by chicken_little
Re: Beginners flute
Which hand do you have on top when you play whistle? I'd stick to the same way round for flute (although some people do manage to change over when they swap instruments). If you play whistle with your left hand on the top 3 holes, then you should play flute 'right- handed'. If not, and you're ordering fro Doug Tipple, just e-mail hi and ask. He's a nice guy, and easy to do business with.
# Posted on December 26th 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Beginners flute
thanks ethnic blend ! umm right/over/left on my tinwhistle and i have attempted to change before but it never worked out.. I've always been aware of my lefthandedness even though ive read about people who were unaware :L
plan to order my flute in the new year.. cant wait.. will ask Dixon are they already made and is the best way to order my Dixon piece on tonydixon.co.uk as im in ireland..?
thanks again
# Posted on December 26th 2010 by chicken_little
Re: Beginners flute
I disagree with ethical blend - you should try to play right-handed. Reason? If you ever DO move on to a higher-end flute, you'll have to get it by special order. I don't think makers charge more for this, but you'd probably have to wait longer (and unlikely to find one used). Similarly, when you end up selling it 'cause something better comes along (you will!), it will be difficult to find a buyer. If you end up with a keyed flute, the situation is even worse.
# Posted on December 26th 2010 by plunk111
Re: Beginners flute
Well, that's what I do anyway, plunk. And I think I'd probably do the same if I were left-handed as well (ie play right-handed, for the reason you say). However, in my experience in Irish sessions, there seem to be about 1/3 or more of flutists who play the thing left-handed, so I don't think it matters too much if it's Irish music you're into. Quite a few left-handed players play right-handed, keyed flutes. They can't use the keys properly, of course, but I don't think they care. Just like you, plunk, I'd care. But they don't.
# Posted on December 26th 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Beginners flute
Over the Dixon, go with a Tipple, OR a Dave Copley polymer.
I play lefty flute. . . not such a big deal for flute itself. IF you ever want to get into pipes, however, switching now is not a bad idea.
# Posted on December 27th 2010 by wormdiet
Re: Beginners flute
Chicken_little, I think we've covered it in your last discussion, but here goes:
I started out on Dixon three piece (played it for 1.5 years) and I'm left handed, playing the flute the leftie way.
First of all Dixon is not a hopeless, but not a thrilling instrument either. I shouldn't make decisive judgements, as I've played only two 3-piece Dixons in my life, but I don't find them particularly user friendly and I had some issues with higher notes - (upper part of 2nd octave was noticeably sounding lower than the 1st octave) - which I didn't have e.g. on Seery or M&E flutes, not to mention high-end makers.
If I were starting out again, I would now choose one of two options:
1. Go for Tipple, save up money, buy something good.
2. Save up a bit more and buy e.g. Casey Burns folk flute, or some other decent instrument that you will enjoy playing.
I wouldn't go down the middle way, which is neither especially enjoyable nor cheap. (My real preference would be to go for Seery polymer first, and then save up and buy some real beast).
As to playing left-handed, there's no difference when you start out, so why make your life more complicated? Unless you like to "stand out in the crowd".
I used to like me being different from almost everyone else and them noticing: 'hey, you're a leftie!', but since I grew less self-enamoured and more practical, forcing my left-handedness where it was avoidable became a string of minor inconveniences. It is NOT a big deal, just a waste of energy. It's not that I regret that I don't play right-handed - it's rather that now I am aware of the limitations I imposed on myself.
From experience I can tell that selling or buying used left-handed flutes is a pain. And of course, you can play the right-handed instrument holding it in a left-handed way, but again, why make your life more complicated? Especially that sometimes the bore is not symmetrical, so you effectively agree to a reduced potential of your instrument.
Sumary of pros:
If you start to learn right-handed, you will have a wider selection of flutes available and would be able to try out other people's flutes without hassle.
If you start left-handed, it will make a good starting point for chatting up flute players of the opposite sex (or same sex, depending on your preferences). Also, if you play in a band with another flute player, you could do the Lennon-McCartney trick. But that's about it.
# Posted on December 27th 2010 by Janek
Re: Beginners flute
You're not going to get a very satisfactory instrument for E180. The Dixon I played was playable but not satisfying. It didn't resonate very well compared to a wooden instrument. You'll probably regret not buying something better.
I would recommend a Hammy practice flute because it is the only cheap flute with an embouchure cut by a master flute maker. Then start saving for a good wooden instrument. You will have to decide about handedness ahead of time, as Hammy undercuts the practice flute embouchure so it's not symmetric.
# Posted on December 27th 2010 by ElaineT
Re: Beginners flute
As far as I know almost all quality flutes have their embouchure's cut asymmetrically- There is a real difference between l & R handed keyless flutes.
Only you will know if you really can't play right handed. The advantages of doing so are large.
Also, try to get a real flute if possible. Or get a Tipple and save for a better one.
# Posted on December 27th 2010 by Crackpot
Re: Beginners flute
Worth mentioning again that there are many fine used flutes going up on the Chiff and Fipple Used Instrument exchange board: http://forums.chiffandfipple.com/viewforum.php?f=35 . Also be sure to check the Sold/Old subforum for ones that got away...
These may be a bit beyond your budget, and if that is the main consideration, and you aren't sure of your path with the flute, I second the suggestion on a Tipple. However, as others have said, I also believe that it is worth investing in as good a "certified" used instrument that you can afford, as they are both likely to maintain their value and are typically more satisfying to play.
# Posted on December 27th 2010 by Latticino
Re: Beginners flute
I'm still enjoying my practice flute & will keep it in the future once I purchase a wooden flute. My friend has a wooden flute, also made by Colin Hamilton, & I play his sometimes. The practice flute cost me €70 + €5 for shipping to the U.S.
http://www.hamiltonflutes.com/practice.html
# Posted on December 27th 2010 by Ben Steen
Re: Beginners flute
i am left handed and play flute right handed. It makes no difference really at the end of the day you are using both hands when you are playing and one hand is not doing any more work than the other.
I would go for the hammy hamilton practice flute they are really good i borrowed one of these from a friend until my flute arrived definitely recommend these.
# Posted on December 27th 2010 by frogeyes