Chiff and Fipple Forums

A long time ago I attended a workshop with Chris Norman. He played a bit on his
small holed Rudall. It sounded like a buzzsaw and it was very loud. I realize now
that he was playing on the edge, getting a hard tone, getting a lot of overtones.
I can now do that myself if I choose. I wonder are you'all playing on the edge
a lot? I've been at this for fifteen years and would like to hear from
experienced people.

Hey Jim,

Years ago I had a Paddy Ward flute that was just incredible to play on edge. But if I backed off I found it mediocre.

I tend to play more Genteel now. But occasionally I like to blow the cob-webs out!

A good flute/player combination should have a range of tone color to choose from. I'd say it's best to apply them where appropriate to emphasize the best qualities in any particular tune.

Sensible. Thanks

What does "playing on the edge" mean?

Brus wrote:What does "playing on the edge" mean?

I take it to mean playing (in the first octave) just at the break point between the two octaves.

Hi Jim,
"his small holed Rudall" was the boxwood one?
otherwise it was its wonderful modern copy that had some changes in the making and yes, it is really loud!
I never tested the boxwood original one, sure it must be an amazing flute, but I think it won't be that loud.

radcliff wrote:Hi Jim,
"his small holed Rudall" was the boxwood one?
otherwise it was its wonderful modern copy that had some changes in the making and yes, it is really loud!
I never tested the boxwood original one, sure it must be an amazing flute, but I think it won't be that loud.

There can be a perception of loudness from flutes that may not be loud in terms of decibels, but are "loud" in the sense that their tone is very clear and crisp. I can hear a small-holed flute, in the hands of a good player, better in a session than I can hear a Pratten-style flute in the hands of someone with a less focused blowing technique and a loud but diffuse sound.

I believe it was the Rod Cameron copy, blackwood. The sound he got out it
was amazing--half musical instrument, half power tool.

indeed.

I don't know if it's with
but it's certainly on.