Why is inline G preferable?

[Zomah2]

So, I'm reading articles about offset G and what it is, and yea, that's cool and all. But then I look at reviews for my flute (YFL-221) and I see something in one review..

"Offset G is preferred for the smaller hand as it brings forward the keys to meet the Left middle and 4th fingers - avoiding unnecessary strain and sprain during prolonged play"

That kind of made me formulate a question - now, is it only for small hands? I'm a guy, and I guess I have pretty big hands, and I tried (just to see roughly what it would be like) moving my fingers to be in line with the other keys, past the G 'key area'. As I mentioned, I have pretty big hands, and that seemed exceedingly strenuous compared to offset G - I think it was even through just being used to offset G. Its kinda like my ring, pinky, and middle finger all crunch up almost, and my middle finger also has to curl up more (uncomfortably) so that its all in line.

So what are the advantages of inline G vs offset? Is it really that big of a difference that its worth the discomfort? I can't imagine what it would be like for someone with small hands

[pied_piper]

Like you, I'm a guy with a larger hand. I play an inline G, but that's what was common on open-hole flutes many years ago. I find the inline comfortable, but can play an offset with equal ease.

Some flute makers will not add the split-E on inline flutes because split-E with inline G sometimes has a tendency to bind if everything is not aligned perfectly. Other makers seem to have mastered this issue, and offer split-E on both models. Depending upon which brands you are considering and whether you want a split-E, may influence your choices.

Bottom line though, inline vs. offset really boils down to preference and comfort.

[fluteguy18]

It really is a matter of personal preference now. In the earlier part of the 20th Century it was somewhat of an indicator of quality (to my memory) but that is no longer the case. If I remember correctly the original design by Boehm was with an offset g key but when Louis Lot (a parisian flute maker in the late 1800's and early 1900's) came around he devised the inline system. His flutes were considered the best at that time and to speed up production he eliminated the extra parts necessary for an offset g and streamlined it, simplifying production. That's how the inline system became fashionable. Louis Lot was the 'it' flute so anything that wasn't akin to his flutes had to be of lesser quality.

Acoustically they're equal. The majority of flutemakers offer both options at no extra cost. Most flutes being sold now are offset because of recent awareness of hand/performance injuries, and availability of quality flutes with offset keys. In the end though, it comes down to personal preference. Get what's comfortable for you. When you play very few people will be looking at your flute anyway. They'll be too concerned about figuring out how you play so well.

Marcel Moyse once let some masterclass students take a look at his flute. They were amazed by it and were studying it intensely, wondering what made it so special. Knowing that HE was the secret (not the flute) he said with a chuckle: "What you're looking for, it's there. To the left.' (or something like that).

[Kaylyn]

I play one and I'm a female with short fingers. It's just what I have gotten used to. I own both and when I switch to my YFL-221 with offset g I find it takes some time and my hand actually cramps a bit until I've played awhile.