Since we were just discussing open holes on a flute in a recent thread I thought that I would share this article with you. I agree with Ms. Cluff and like her take on many subjects regarding the flute.

http://jennifercluff.blogspot.com/2010/02/plugs-in-open-hole-flutes.html

Yes, Jennifer Cluff always seems to provide good advice. One of her comments is particularly notable: "I find that there seem to be numerous flute teachers who, for some un-tested reason, think it is less professional or less desireable to play a plugged open-hole flute, and I really can't see why."

I totally agree that the choice of open or closed hole flutes has absolutely nothing to do being more or less professional. I'll slightly disagree with her point on desirability (or not) of open-holes. IMO, open-holes facilitate certain special effects that I mentioned in the other thread: glissando, multiphonics, quarter tones and some tonal shading. Those are not primary considerations though. The choice of open holes, plugged holes, or closed holes should be strictly a personal choice - it should not be dictated by teachers. Teachers should provide guidance and explain the pro and cons but leave the final decision to the individual.

Some players, especially those with small hands, may find closed or plugged holes an advantage because they may have difficulty fully covering all of the holes. In my case, I have fairly large hands and I have no difficulty with covering the holes. For myself, I find that open holes are comfortable and help me to maintain a good hand position. Also, because of my hand size, I find inline G very comfortable, but I certainly would not tell another player that they should use open holes or an inline G.

One possible reason why many teachers force students to unplug holes is because in some conservatories this is almost mandatory.

So for a student to be prepared to be admitted there, he/she must be able to play open holes. This a practical reason, but not a rational explanation

Forgot to mention that I found the original silicone plugs provided by Yamaha to be unstable and they do not stay in place for long periods.

In my case the went deeper and deeper in the hole until the fell inside the flute body and were often lost. It could be that inertial force push them in slowly, I do not know.

But if someone is going to plug the holes, say for a long period (I avoid saying "for ever", it scares me), then buy the Powell metal plugs. With these plugs it is practically impossible to tell from above if the keys were originally open or closed hole type.

They are affordable, at about 40$ the set in UK, maybe less in USA

I use clear silicone plugs and they are nice and snug. You can't see them, or feel them and if you have the right size they will stay in. Yamaha must have messed up or something with the size on yours. I had the Powell Plug o's and while they are made nice, I could always feel the edges on them and it bugged me. They weren't comfortable to my hands. To each his own, what ever works!

The ones I received were clear but rather whitish. Maybe they were too small or they shrunk with time.

Parents and students ask quite often what the benefit of an open hole flute is...my honest answer is mainly for modern techniques...glisses, quarter tones, etc. I agree that to plug or not plug isn't a big deal. Whenever I play on my inline Sankyo I have a plug in the G key. I was experiencing hand pains and I thought, why not plug it. I never noticed a sound difference...and I just use a silicon plug. Good article, thanks for sharing!

The Yamaha I bought came with plugs and they are working just fine for me. Of course I won't be using them for much longer. I took the first one out yesterday and I can already cover the hole perfect!