Generally, there is - most makers cut the blowing edge differently from under-lip side of embochure hole, for practical reasons. When you blow the other way around, you're sort of doing things... around. It will usually be somewhat more difficult to get a good tone from the flute (or the "good" tone will still be suboptimal to the full potential of the instrument).
That said, some good leftie players, especially of the older generation, play right-handed flutes in a left-handed way (I faintly recall Seamus Tansey does or used to, someone correct me please if I'm wrong).
Seamus Tansey and Patsy Hanley do it. I am righty and have played lefty flutes and didn't find them difficult or strange to play. Lefties have also played my flutes and not really noticed much affect as well. There will likely be some small amount of difference but a righty flute can still be played lefty. You would be better off trying to find a flute made for a left handed player but if you were stuck you could certainly make do with a righty flute.
I play lefty and I've sampled many righty flutes. I understand that some makers do cut specific side, but I think you'd have a hard time telling the difference.
If you can't get a modern leftie just make sure you try a few right played flutes to get a feel...
Plenty of the older generation lefties play right sided flutes, keys r the only issue really...
lefty or righty embouchure hole???
lefty or righty embouchure hole???
Is there a difference between a left and right handed embouchure hole? and if so how can you tell?
I'm a left handed player looking to buy a second handed flute (anyone selling?) and would like to be sure I'm clued up before I do.
Any replies would appreciated
# Posted on September 9th 2011 by Andy Connally
Re: lefty or righty embouchure hole???
Generally, there is - most makers cut the blowing edge differently from under-lip side of embochure hole, for practical reasons. When you blow the other way around, you're sort of doing things... around. It will usually be somewhat more difficult to get a good tone from the flute (or the "good" tone will still be suboptimal to the full potential of the instrument).
That said, some good leftie players, especially of the older generation, play right-handed flutes in a left-handed way (I faintly recall Seamus Tansey does or used to, someone correct me please if I'm wrong).
# Posted on September 9th 2011 by Janek
Re: lefty or righty embouchure hole???
Seamus Tansey and Patsy Hanley do it. I am righty and have played lefty flutes and didn't find them difficult or strange to play. Lefties have also played my flutes and not really noticed much affect as well. There will likely be some small amount of difference but a righty flute can still be played lefty. You would be better off trying to find a flute made for a left handed player but if you were stuck you could certainly make do with a righty flute.
# Posted on September 9th 2011 by Why Bother?
Re: lefty or righty embouchure hole???
Andy,
I play lefty and I've sampled many righty flutes. I understand that some makers do cut specific side, but I think you'd have a hard time telling the difference.
If you can't get a modern leftie just make sure you try a few right played flutes to get a feel...
Plenty of the older generation lefties play right sided flutes, keys r the only issue really...
Bol
# Posted on September 10th 2011 by Andyras1
Re: lefty or righty embouchure hole???
Thanks for the replies
Clears a few things up
# Posted on September 11th 2011 by Andy Connally