tradlad123 wrote:
Hi, this is just out of curiosity...
I have two Blackwood flutes from different makers (both reputed), and they clearly are biased towards different regions on the octave. One sings very well and feels natural in the upper register, and the other is more geared for the lower. Just with the naked eye, I don't see any noticeable difference in the embouchure size, or the bore width, so wondering what factors influence these outcomes? (I am not an advanced player by any means so my playing ability maybe a factor too).
Thanks!
"...One sings very well and feels natural in the upper register..."
Apart from the stopper position, this part of your description also suggests this particular flute could have a small leak weakening the bottom register. In which case, the upper register would tend to be be less affected. Try a suck test on the head and barrel, without separating them, by placing the palm of your hand over the open end of the barrel and sucking air through the embouchure. You should be able to hold a decent vacuum for a count of 10 seconds. If not, check whether the slide is properly greased as recommended by the maker. You can also check the stopper for a leak by separating head from barrel and repeating the suck test. Joints can leak, as can the wooden body itself, through small cracks, also keypads, etc.
Garry