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Fife thread

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 12:36 pm
by fatmac
Looking around for info about fifes, but didn't find much, so I thought I'd try starting a thread for them. :)

I'd be interested in hearing anything about them here in this thread.

I bought a Yamaha fife on a whim, & whilst it is reasonable for the price, I believe it is aimed at children, hence why the lowest hole is offset, which turns out to be tricky for me.

So I found myself another reasonably priced alternative, it is a Pastalit Trommelflote (Querflote) Nr. 130P, in B, (& now knowing that the Germans use B to represent Bb & H to represent B), it appears to be a standard Bb fife, made of some kind of hard plastic, with metal ferrules at each end. Certainly looks the business.

It has the usual six holes, plus a raised seventh for the little finger. I've managed to play up & down the scale on it, in two octaves, I think the lower & middle, & I much prefer this one to the Yamaha. :)

My original intention was to use this to perfect & strengthen my embouchure for my flute & piccolo, but I think I may just have some fun with this, as I can just pick it up & 'play' it.

Re: Fife thread

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 1:49 pm
by jim stone
Playing fifes can be great help for developing one's embouchure.
I like Sweetheart fifes--play an older 'diamond wood' pic, also a G fife.
I play a Billy Miller bamboo Bb, very good and inexpensive.
I think the bamboo/cane flutes aren't sufficiently appreciated--
they can be truly expressive. I lucked out and got an A Olwell
bamboo cane flute from Doc Jones, which has served me for years. Do remember
to protect your hearing--probably for standard D flutes too.
The inexpensive foam earplugs sold at pharmacies are, IMO,
as effective as anything expensive.

Re: Fife thread

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 3:42 pm
by an seanduine
Second the hearing protection, especially if you got to the third octave and beyond.
Check out Fastnacht Basel on the 'web to get the scope of what you've touched upon.

Bob

Re: Fife thread

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 6:41 am
by Spielorjh
I have a tuneable aluminum D fife with lip plate from Angus Fifes (custom addition - he did it cheerfully and quickly). I have a lot of fun with it.

It is not a subtle instrument in any way, and I second the recommendation for hearing protection. I played it once with my hearing aids in by accident...then I hit the second octave.

Re: Fife thread

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 12:36 pm
by RudallRose
i have lost my high-frequency hearing in my left ear from all the years of fifing (I haven't played in years....but the residual remains) long before ear protection was the thing.
Use it and save yourself the troubles that come later.