Dear Forum:

Apparently, I'm not the only person who "doesn't read previous posts" --- because today, (Nov 16th), "Dark-shadows" asked about the very thing I posted, when I orginally came here: open-hole versus Plateau flutes. So, do I "stand alone"?

I will say that when I first visited this forum, I did post a remark on the virtues of the open hole flute vs the Plateau flute. At that time, this was my opinion, with no support.

I will have to confess, that after getting a lot of "heat" --- even I had to "stop and think" for a moment. (How on earth did I get stuck with a French model flute?)

So, I called for "back-up". I looked at playing from both sides of the coin: from an artist's standpoint --- to the manufacturers' standpoint.

I contacted Paula Robison, Donald Peck, Jeff Khamer, Kim Sopata, and others. All of whom were kind enough to reply to my e-mails and assured me that they all agreed that the French model is superior, and pointed out why. That is from the artists' perspective. So much for that.

Then, I "flipped" the coin (because Micron positioned the argument that: "players don't know anything about the construction of the flute --- they only know how to play". Excuse me? An artist(s) of international renown is going to spend some $10,000 to $20,000 --- or more, for a flute, upon which their livelihood depends, and not know anything about the flute construction?
I hope you all know that this was a ridiculous posture for him to have adopted. Based upon that kind of feed-back, I could say that "there are four seasons in Chicago" ---- and he would say, "no, there is only one". Just to be contrary.

Going on, I contacted the manufacturers of "high-end" flutes: Powell, Haynes, Muramatsu, Miyazawa and Nagahara. They all e-mailed me back and agreed with the artists. Open-hole flutes do impart a better sound (for various technical reasons that I won't go into, now --- but I can, if you want them). Miyazawa, in fact, no longer offers the Plateau flute, except on "special order".

Just thought you might like to know: I did my homework. I realize that I've been black-listed and my posts are ignored, and not responded to. That's fine. That's your choice. That's your shortcoming.

The biggest satisfaction I get, is in knowing, that, in the end ---- I was right, after all. Even if only I know that, it's good enough for me.

Best Regards, Jim Millen

There was a time (not too long ago) that most flute players and manufacturers touted the benefits of the inline G, especially for "professional" flutes. Offset G was for beginners or people who didn't have long enough fingers. Now a majority of flutes sold have offset G.

My point is that it doesn't matter what others think; it's up to the individual to decide what is best for them. If you think open hole flutes are best, then you are right. If another person thinks closed hole is best, well, they are right too!

I'm glad we're all right!

And now, on to the next topic....

Thank you Micron for a well informed, articulate, un biased posting.

angie xxx

Open holed flutes also "look better". They rock! hehe Well, if looks is what matters...It does when you are on stage playing in front of a paying crowd and you want to "look" your best. It's like wearing a nice suit. Most decent suits cost less than 300.00 but a nice name brand one will cost you many hundreds into the thousands. Both will keep you warm, and make you look well groomed and nice. Which is truly better though?

I have been approached after shows by students and asked all kinds of questions about my flute. I did a concert at the state musical festival in the midwest in 1995 and the first question this very nice lady asked me was, "how do you like playing open holed flutes, and what brand was mine?"

I think open holed flutes really make so little difference overall, but open holed flutes will have certain problems so well described by Micron. What a great post Micron!

I think that is the reason my flutes will always be open holed, because I play to a live audience on stages from time to time, and I like to look the part. I am going to wear the nice suit. That is just me. I like the best in everything. Even if it's not the best. People think it's the best, and perception is 9/10ths reality.

Nice reply, Phil. I like your humor.

But Micron's post, although lengthy, is very worthy of merit.

He really (and obviously) knows his stuff.

I know I'd never challenge him.

Jim

Phil: that's apparently his agenda. Yes, it's long-winded.

One of the main problems I find on this forum is that there are, apparently, engineers, physicists, etc., who expound to great lengths to show their knowledge.

I don't really have a problem with this, because they are contributing vast technical info.

The problem I have, is that this is a flute PLAYING forum.

I'd really like to read more posts/replies about just HOW to play the flute ---- and/or improve your playing. Not just "tech" stuff.

Appreciate your response.

Jim