I am wondering how many of you have gone from playing an inline G to playing an offset G.
I got my new flute with an offset G and I am very happy with it. It has solved one of my most aggrivating problems. My left index finger no longer goes numb.
The problem I am now having is that I am finding it hard to trill a G or G#. It is extremely awkward. When I pick up an inline flute, I have no problems with this trill.
I am sure that I will eventually be able to do this with a lot of practice. I am wondering if anyone has had any similar problems? How long did it take you to adjust? I am just curious.
I changed to an offset G about three years ago. It was a bit awkward for about the first half hour and after that I loved it and never wanted to go back to an in line again. I didn't have any problems with trills or such when switching, so I can't offer to much help there, sorry. Have you tried or do you have some sort of grippy type things like a thumbport or cushion on your flute? That might help. Good luck with it
Well then, I guess it is just me. The off set must not agree with my hands.
As you guys all know. My hands have been broken. When I try to trill a G or G# on an off set flute, it is almost as if my joints are popping or something.
I guess I will grab my inline if I need to trill a G or G#. LOL
I started with an inline G and used that flute for about 5 years, and got a new flute with offset last september, I had no problems transitioning at all.
Well, in 'Pines of Rome' there is a several-measures long trill from F# to G#. My friend's pinky was about to fall off so we figured out how to simply use RH index finger to trill on the G# key, closing the actual F# key (rather than the Eb or E key) with RH, 2nd finger. Obviously, this wouldn't work except for a long trill with nothing much next to it. You can trill G to A with RH index finger trilling the lower G key, or G to G# with RH index finger trilling the G#.
Otherwise, plug the G key and try with a straightened finger, you don't have to place your finger exactly in the middle of the hole if it's plugged.
I don't feel a lot of difference myself between my inline G and offset G flutes, except the springs on the inline flute are soooo much lighter that trills and fast passages are easier on the inline.
<Added>
BTW, we moved our whole hand to the left for these 'non-traditional' trills; I wouldn't expect you to stretch your poor pinky all that way!
"....I don't feel a lot of difference myself between my inline G and offset G flutes, except the springs on the inline flute are soooo much lighter that trills and fast passages are easier on the inline..."
But the spring tensions are to do with spring design and adjustment, and nothing to do with whether the construction is off-set or in-line.
Well, it's been awhile since I've posted....
But, I played inline for several decades, and only within the last year or so have I switched to offset. I'm so happy. I have so much fewer problems with my wrists (and subsequently with my shoulders). I didn't have any transitioning problems, so I don't really know how to help you.
I'm wondering if some "transitioning" problems are maybe nothing to do with the off-set or otherwise of the G key, but more to do with a different flute being out of adjustment, such that they need excessive finger pressure.
searching...
