This is probably one for Andante in C, and the other whizzo flute players! I have a lovely Yamaha flute, which a great improvement on my last one, an old Emperor. It was so easy to get the higher notes in comparison, and I tried 4-5 flutes in different price ranges, the most expensive was not as good as the one I bought.
My question is, why have an open hole flute, what are they for, do they sound different, and where are they played?
Thanks in advance.
Beverley.

My friend plays an open hole flute and it seems to be louder, and she has all this really cool music where she has to glissando and things!

Open hole flutes (I believe) are for several reasons
1) Teach better fingering positioning
2) Allows quarter tones
3) Makes glissandos/portamentos easier
4) Gives you the option of open and closed hole by using "Plug-Os"

Nicki has one, I played it and it was really strange. I have a closed hole flute, just feels better IMO. I'm really unexperienced though, just ignore me

You get used to it - playing on a flute with plateau keys now feels really weird to me! As to whether they are better/necessary - depends who you ask. A lot of the best flutes are not available except open-holed, but even some pro flautists play with the holes plugged unless they need the holes for a special effect.

I'd have to diagree with you there, Sarah, as most flutes are available in closed hole spec as well. Even my American Powell is closed hole, and closed holes are seen as very 'beginnery' in the USA. You may have to oder a closed-hole model, but most flutes have it as an option.

I cannot play an open hole flute (not enough stretch between my right hand fingers), and so have to go without the extended techniques that are available to open hole players. That, however, is the only drawback in my opinion. If your hands are big enough/flexible enough, then consider an open hole flute. If however, you would be prone to tendonitis through over-stretching, then a closed hole flute is by far the better option.

OK, I stand (sit actually ) corrected... been a while since I've been looking to buy a flute! (I'll take it with a pinch of salt next time someone tells me that... )

If the American pro models are available closed hole then I guess most will be!

Open holes are great, I think Irish-Loony summed up the advantages mainly. I'm not sure if I'm in a fair position to comment because I have a lush Miyazawa open hole flute and I did have a closed hole Yamaha beginners, not much experience therefore. Some of my little pupils get a bit "freaked out" when they see them. I however do have to have "bungs" in some of my keys because my fingers are so thin that they don't cover the holes, something to do with endless piano playing methinks. My teacher's always going on about how i need to inject some fat into them, anyone know where I can do that?!

Thanks everyone.
So, what are glissandos and portamentos then??
Andante, I have big hands, can cover one more than an octave on the piano. would I be able to play an open hole flute??
Beverley.

If you can play a flute with your fingers exactly in the centre of the fingerpads, then yes! however "Plug-Os" can convert it into a closed hole


Portamentos/Glissandos are when the notes slide by sliding the fingers off the holes, depending on how far you do it

Indeed I do - a Yamaha 574 (Well the body is anyway). I really like it, I tried a number of flutes, and this one was the best, even though it was second hand.

Andy, it isn't weird...well ok, yes it does to start with but you can get plugs to make it feel like a closed hole and then wean yourself off them!

The Old Lady - I have tiny hands, but I can play an open holed flute so you should have no problem.

Yes, IL has the best method of quick checking. If you can cover the centre of each key simulataneously, then an open hole should be no problem. I just can't do it, and I was advised not to plug keys as it affects the scale (tuning) of the flute. I have seen contradictory views on this, however, and know of at least one professional player who plays with plugged holes. Depends who you ask. One major flute retailer will not sell an open hole flute to a player who is intending to plug the holes.

thoughts on various points! :

The thing with plugging affecting the tuning is you should either have all plugged (in which case frankly you may as well play closed hole) or none at all.

I play a beautiful openhole Altus and the reason for me is to be able to play avant-garde music. Try some of the Music by Ian Clarke, great stuff and I did a lecture recital on it for my performance masters degree.

Open holes also give more diversity for numerous alturnative fingerings but it does NOT affect the quality of tone - this is a common misconception - only the player (and of course the materiel the flute is made of) can do that.

That is actually what I meant



Mad!

I used to play a closed hole Trever J. James, and then when i upgraded, I chose an open hole yamaha body. I just found it nicer to play, as i have no need for quater tones yet, i also found the tone nicer to all the other flutes I tried. If i try one of my friends closed hole flutes now it feels really weird, but then they cant play mine lol. and you do get used to playing them, i was lucky and i only took about a day to get used to it, because my finger positioning was good at the start, but my friends flute teacher took a year, so think carefully if you need open holes, then you may need a lot of times to get used to them.