Close or Open Holes??

[nonpqlolzx]

Hello everyone! I need help with choosing up a flute for my little brother for his b-day! Once i played some tunes for him, and he was very impressed. I thought, that he was just kidding me, because i’d made some mistakes while playing. But guess, what did he asked me to gift him on his b-day? Heh)
Me and our mom were a little bit shocked, because Sam (brother) cried every time i was taking him to the piano lessons, and btw that was last summer ;D
The matter is, that i’m newbie in this regard and i can’t afford not to ask advice from much more experienced people! What would be better for 14-years-old boy? With open holes, or not? I play flute with open holes, but i don’t know, will it fit to Sam, because his fingers are smaller, please help!

[Andro]

I assume you are talking about silver Boehm flutes. Open hole flutes are preferred by professionals, but they always come with silicon plugs for beginners, or you can buy a set for a couple of dollars. That solves that problem. Many student flutes have closed keys. They are fine. In fact, some professionals prefer them. Closed keys mean small hands don't have to be so accurate covering the note while learning. But you already play flute, you must know this?

Andrew

[busterbill]

I agree with Andro. Assuming you are talking about the silver Boehm flute, a beginner has a much easier time with closed holes. If you happen upon an open holed instrument you like the plugs are quite inexpensive and easy to come by in many music supply stores, or even on Ebay. The most important thing is to find him a flute that plays well. If you are looking in the used market make sure you try it out. Keys that don't close completely due to poor pads can be very frustrating.

[oleorezinator]

Open holes can be plugged.
An offset G is absolutely essential!