Are Boehm keys generally noisier than simple system?

headwizer · Post by **headwizer** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 8:08 pm

This issue was raised in another thread in passing. I am sure that to an audience, any key noise is pretty much obscured by the time it reaches listeners' ears. However, the player can probably hear all the squeaks and clacks.

lllebret · Post by **lllebret** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 9:13 pm

If the flute is in good repair and the player uses minimal finger pressure (good technique) there is virtually no key noise. Boehm flutes use the springs to open keys instead of holding keys closed (thus having to seal), thus can be sprung with much less force than is required on simple system flutes which must be sprung so that the keys keep an airtight seal.

andrewK · Post by **andrewK** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 6:00 am

I have never been able to understand why ITM players worry about key noise when they have somebody alongside banging a drum.
At least the key noise, if any, is in time with the music.

Dana · Post by **Dana** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 8:06 am

Ya know, if you're hearing much key noise, it means that you're slamming the keys down way too hard. Whatever key noise you do get won't carry, anyway.

Dana

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 8:54 am

Dana is spot-on, a lot of key noise is either an indication of an instrument in bad repair, or a ham-fingered flutist banging on the keys.

Every flute is different, some do make some minor sounds, but as pointed out, they do not carry.

A good flute in good repair with a good player (better than me

) is virtually silent.

Note: I am one of those guys who tends to come down on the keys too hard, and you can sometimes hear it in my playing. Boehm keys clack; on wooden flute you can hear little percussive thumps as I bounce my fingers around like chubby basketballs.

Oh well...

--James

GaryKelly · Post by **GaryKelly** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 8:59 am

Joannie Madden doesn't seem to have any problems.

jim stone · Post by **jim stone** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 9:45 am

Well, they edit out the clacking sounds on her CDs, you know,
just like they try to edit out Glenn Gould's singing
on his.

lllebret · Post by **lllebret** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 5:13 pm

You know this for a fact, Jim? I was at a workshop a couple of feet away from her and didn't hear any key noise.

Denny · Post by **Denny** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 7:51 pm

jim stone wrote:Well, they edit out the clacking sounds on her CDs, you know, just like they try to edit out Glenn Gould's singing on his.

lllebret wrote:You know this for a fact, Jim? I was at a workshop a couple of feet away from her and didn't hear any key noise.

Alright Jim let go of lllebret's leg...

Terry McGee · Post by **Terry McGee** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 2:01 am

I'd say much louder. Perhaps not loud enough for listeners to hear, although I'd want to test that assertion before believing it, certainly frustrating for the player. It could be that the player is aware of more than the noise - perhaps the seismic event transmitted through fingertips - but I certainly can't play a Boehm flute without being distracted by the perceived clatter. I've heard them disparaged as "typewriters" by players in Ireland.

Terry

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 6:57 am

Terry McGee wrote:I'd say much louder. Perhaps not loud enough for listeners to hear, although I'd want to test that assertion before believing it, certainly frustrating for the player. It could be that the player is aware of more than the noise - perhaps the seismic event transmitted through fingertips - but I certainly can't play a Boehm flute without being distracted by the perceived clatter. I've heard them disparaged as "typewriters" by players in Ireland.

Terry

A well-oiled and well-adjusted flute, with good pads and corks, makes barely any noise at all. I wouldn't call it any kind of loud.

Now a cheap marching-band flute, poorly cared-for, with old dirty pads and either no oil in the mechanism at all or that common, cheap key-oil that runs like water...yes, they are loud and clackety and you can hear those dirty pads pop from across the room.

--James

Tom O'Farrell · Post by **Tom O'Farrell** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 8:13 am

Well maintained a boehm system flutes noise is always there but so slight as to not even be an issue. my breathing noises drown it out quite well, and as Andrew points out on-stage it's a non issue.
In the silence of my practice room and when playing pp (melodies) it can be more obvious but I just go oil the damn thing and blow out my pads if they have become too saturated from too much playing which makes them noisier, or just swap flutes.

Flyingcursor · Post by **Flyingcursor** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:00 am

I've been afraid to oil mine because I figure I'd mess it up.
What's the best way to clean pads? I use the cigarette paper trick after playing. Someone told me not to use dollar bills as it can tear the membrane over the pad. My flute is seven years old has been played a lot and in spite of fairly good cleaning habits it's getting so the pads stick horribly.
Is it time to get repadded or is there something else I can do?

andrewK · Post by **andrewK** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:22 am

Use $ 100 bills. It may make you more careful. A new one for each hole. Send me the used ones for humane disposal.

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:24 am

To clean the pads the keys needs to be removed and the pad seat cleaned well with alcohol.

The pad itself can be gently cleaned with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol.

By the way, the best ways to avoid sticky, popping pads is to always rinse your mouth out with clear water before playing, especially if you've just eaten.

Also when applying key oil to the mechanism be careful to not get any on the pads, as it will also make them stick and will need to be cleaned off in the way described above.

--James