I am now playing a new Amadeus flute. I have no trouble reaching really high notes, but the low C and B are giving me fits. I have gone over all the pads with a very thin (less than .0005 in) feeler strip and found only 1 or 2 _tiny_ spots where the feeler drags a little less. Pressing harder on these keys does not really seem to make any difference. This is getting a little frustrating.

Assuming there is a leak somewhere else, like a pad washer or bushing, how are these identified?

Other ideas:

headjoint is just lousy at low notes?

low D# key pad has one of these high spots found with the feeler. Also, maybe needs more spring tension? Maybe I'm touching it while closing the rollers?

Adjustment between low C# and C is not perfect yet? - I know it needs a touch more thickness in the cork.

Fingers shifting on open holes on right hand, creating leaks?

I suppose it could be a combination of all of the above. I am planning to have the technician look at it within the next couple weeks.

Any suggestions appreciated - thanks,
Jim

It sounds like you've checked the pads pretty carefully for any obvious leaks. Since you noted that there are a couple of spots where the feeler drag is less, it could be leaking enough to affect the low notes. If your pads have very firm felt, pressing harder may not seal a leak.

Other possible leak sources include the open hole pad grommets, pad screws or washers, footjoint tenon, headjoint tenon, and headjoint cork. At this point you are probaly better off having a flute repair tech look at it. Some shops have a very sensitive Magnehelic leak tester that can determine if a flute is leaking and relatively, how much.

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I didn't have time to finish my reply, so here's some additional thoughts to answer your questions.

Have you had another flutist try to play low notes on your flute? Have you tried playing low notes on another flute?

Normally closed keys like the G# and D# can open and leak while playing if the springs are too weak. Ask a friend to hold those closed while you play. Or, slip a piece of cling wrap (i.e. Handi-Wrap) between the D# pad and tone hole to seal it while you try playing low C.

Yes, fingers on open holes can leak. Try moistening your fingers to see if that makes the low notes easier to play.

If you think you might be touching the D# key while playing C or C# or think the C-C# adjustment is out, ask a friend to hold all the footjoint keys closed (their fingers on the key cups, not the normal finger touches). Then try playing the low notes.

I can't get 'footjoint' notes on an open hole flute without at least the RH3 plugged. I just don't have the length or strength in my pinky when my other fingers are 'in position' over the open holes.

I would try putting plugs into the RH keys.

Otherwise, I would take it back and get leaks fixed.

Have you had another flutist try to play low notes on your flute? Have you tried playing low notes on another flute?

I can play low notes on my DeFord. Maybe not much better, but a little. Also tried various combinations of headjoints and footjoints on both bodies. Not completely conclusive, but I think the Amadeus headjoint is capable and the DeFord footjoint is a little easier to get the notes to sound.

Normally closed keys like the G# and D# can open and leak while playing if the springs are too weak. Ask a friend to hold those closed while you play. Or, slip a piece of cling wrap (i.e. Handi-Wrap) between the D# pad and tone hole to seal it while you try playing low C.

If I take it apart, I will increase the spring tension a little on the D#. I'd prefer it a little stiffer anyway. Tried the friend method and the cling wrap method, neither was conclusive. As I mentioned, this pad has a spot that aspires to leak. I think it's a good candidate.

Yes, fingers on open holes can leak. Try moistening your fingers to see if that makes the low notes easier to play.

I'll give that a good try. In fact, I may try putting one or two plugs in. Also a good candidate.

If you think you might be touching the D# key while playing C or C# or think the C-C# adjustment is out, ask a friend to hold all the footjoint keys closed (their fingers on the key cups, not the normal finger touches). Then try playing the low notes.

Did a little of this. Not very conclusive either. Worth another try.

Thanks for the suggestions.
Jim

Ok, so I put in two plugs in the E and D keys. I seem to have better luck with the low notes with the plugs than without. I'm guessing that I shift my hand position slightly to reach the rollers and that's enough to create a leak between my fingers and the holes.

I suppose that's a success. My flute doesn't leak, I'm just an idiot :-) I'll practice some low register stuff with the plugs for a few days and see if I can reach a firm conclusion.

thanks again,
Jim

Naw, you're not an idiot! Glad you found the leaks. (They WERE leaks, they were just your fingers changing position )

Hand position does shift to reach the rollers.
If the lowest notes didn't require use of the rollers, open holes would be more do-able for more people. (I can cover an open hole flute with no problems if I don't go below low D!) But the last two fingers can shift on those fotjoint notes, and the pinky can hit the D#, so those low notes do not come out at all.
In fact, I would state that if a person has to compensate for that RH 2 and 3 (on open holes) moving, by gripping harder, then they are causing a bit of harm to their flute.
I see very few open-hole flutes played by advanced players (and students who are headed toward music degrees in college/university) who don't plug at least RH3. That shift of position to get the footjoint notes is awkward, and plugging a RH hole or two allows light, even, quick finger movement that is necessary for fast playing.

I see very few open-hole flutes played by advanced players (and students who are headed toward music degrees in college/university) who don't plug at least RH3.

Hmm. Must be a regional thing. I see very few advanced players using any plugs.

Yeah, it sort of feels like riding a bicycle with training wheels! I don't plan to play that way for long.

I will say, though, that tonight I practiced with the two lowest plugs installed and the Db major scales and arpeggios (go down to low C and back up) played without driving me nuts.

I'm going to give it a week or two and then I'll probably take them back out. It's starting to make me think that a used handmade Haynes with plateau keys would have been a good thing to look for. Those seem to be a little less desirable and better deals on eBay.

I never had problems on my DeFord. Maybe a contributor is the fact that the top surface of the keys on the Amadeus is relatively flat. The DeFord has a raised circle around the edge of the holes. Less surface area maybe means less force to get a reliable feel. Also, the ridges may have given me a more positive feedback that I was over the hole.

Anway, the Amadeus sounds great and I'm really enjoying it. It's about as much flute as I am likely to ever get involved with - unless I get single first http://www.8notes.com/images/smile.gif