Flauta dolce wrote:I would like to buy a keyed flute.
As I am only really interested in playing Irish music, I have a question:
How many keys should I get on the flute ? Sam Murray said all I need are three keys.
I have seen ITM artists with eight.
Advice and tips appreciated.
Flauta, how is your playing progressing? Some time ago, I remember you posting with some questions about low notes, embouchure etc. Is it getting easier? I ask because I am at a similar stage, can play a few tunes, better sound, still struggling getting reels up to speed.
The more experienced posters have pretty much answered your questions. As someone with a keyed flute as well as a keyless, and still in the beginner stage, you might like to hear my perspective.
I have a Sweet 6-key blackwood that I picked up through this forum. I find it a little easier (and sweeter) to play the upper octave than my Casey Burns folk flute, so that was a nice bonus. However, it is significantly heavier, which does make a difference when you play for a long period.
I got it partly because I also play Australian trad music, with box players that like C or even F. I also play with singers occasionally. One thing I discovered is that playing in C on a D-flute means that you are up in the octave and even higher most of the time. Only for this reason, the low C foot would be nice (for me) to have. If you rarely play in C, I think the disadvantages (cost, weight, effect on low D) outweigh the advantages. If you play regularly in C and F (I know you don't - this is really me musing aloud), it might be worth considering a separate keyless in C instead of trying to cram keys all over your main D flute.
The key of F works well enough, as there is a good spread of notes across both octaves. You need at least one F-key (preferably the long one if you only have one) and a Bb key. Speaking of Bb, I find it difficult to operate the Bb key with my LH thumb, which is normally glued in place as my main support. It's almost easier to use a cross-fingering.
Even if you are just playing ITM, the C-key is useful. I didn't think I would use it, but I was learning a tune from a more experienced player and she showed me how the C-key made a b-c-b phrase smoother, so I am now a convert. Also, I have tried a couple of times to use F-nats to create little triplet runs, and they are nice as well. I also use G# for Scottish tunes in A.
If you can afford it and really want keys, I would go for 6. If you really want 6, but can't afford it now, I think you can have the blocks installed for later addition of the keys. If you were buying used rather than ordering a new flute, I would settle for 4 or 5 if the right flute came up - there are bargains to be had. I don't think I would bother with 8.
All said with the caveat of my beginner status!