Another nooobie question 'keys?'

The Chiff & Fipple Irish Flute on-line community. Sideblown for your protection.
jim stone
Posts: 17189
Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2001 6:00 pm

Re: Another nooobie question 'keys?'

Post by jim stone »

methodical practice of half-holed notes can go a long way.
Eb will always be a challenge, but it can be done, IME. The keys get
you clearer notes, they are more reliable, etc. But you know some of
the best trad flooters often played (and performed) on keyless flutes,
e.g. Mike Rafferty.
jim stone
Posts: 17189
Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2001 6:00 pm

Re: Another nooobie question 'keys?'

Post by jim stone »

Just to add, one option for C natural is to have a thumb hole installed,
which keeps your hands on contact with the note. This can be done for
about 30 dollars. I find that SOME relief from the crossfingered C natural
simplifies fingering and allows more ornamentation (either by key or thumb
hole). On the other hand the cross fingered C natural simplifies some fingering,
too. So one doesn't abandon it, either.
JimmyManley
Posts: 17
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2016 1:47 am
antispam: No
Please enter the next number in sequence: 8
Tell us something.: Hello, I'm just starting out on my whistle journey -at the tender young age if 55. So I'm hoping to maybe pick up some tips on playing or who make good quality low priced whistles.

Re: Another nooobie question 'keys?'

Post by JimmyManley »

Thanks very much for your replies. I did go for Vaseline and not for the coconut oil and the key advice has given me much to think about but at this point in my flute journey I'll stick with my keyless :thumbsup:
User avatar
rogervj
Posts: 48
Joined: Mon Dec 28, 2015 7:29 pm
antispam: No
Please enter the next number in sequence: 8
Tell us something.: I play guitar, flute and whistle. I fell in love with trad after visiting Ireland some years ago. I don't post much but I visit and read all the time.
Contact:

Re: Another nooobie question 'keys?'

Post by rogervj »

I use Burt's Bees All Natural Vanilla lip balm on my tenons. Smells great! Easily available.
Post Reply