In-line help

[MissyHPhoenix]

My Sankyo is an in-line and I find that more and more lately my left hand fingers, particularly pinky and ring fingers, are getting "stuck" when I play faster runs. Maybe a better description is that the knuckles get stuck kinda rigid. Is there any kind of extension that can be put on to make the in-line more "off-set" comfortable? Agh, am I making any sense at all?

Thanks!

[pied_piper]

Missy,

You are not the first flutist with that problem. Obviously, an offset key arrangement might help, but if you are otherwise happy with your flute, key extensions may solve your problem. Some manufacturers like Brannen make key extensions to fit their flutes. Some flute repair shops can custom make key extensions too, so there are several options for you to explore. A Google search will reveal some possible sources:

https://www.google.com/search?q=flute+key+extensions

Be sure to read Jennifer Cluff's article. http://www.jennifercluff.com/extensns.pdf In it she describes how you can make your own extensions and glue them on to see if they will help. If they do, then you could ask a flute tech to custom make something similar from silver or silver plated brass. They can be made as permanent installation (soldered on), a clip-on or glue-on type, or removable ones that insert into the open holes. Obviously, the removable options may be better if you think you might later sell or trade in your flute.

If you can't find a shop nearby that would be willing to make extensions for you, let me know and I'll see if I can find someone who could do it for you.

[az1983]

Missy,

Brannen makes extensions out of plastic, cork and metal. Would be worth looking into. I tried a few and they fit into a few different open hole flutes (Brannen-obviously, Muramatsu and Powell). Fair warning on the plastic extensions, buy a few as they snap easily. The bottom of a friends gig bag is full of broken pieces lol.

Larry Krantz has an awesome article on the Brannen extensions and some DIY also...

http://www.larrykrantz.com/alexaart.htm

[MissyHPhoenix]

Yay! that is exactly what I was looking for! I am not DIY at all, so I'll have to get either the ready-made ones or have them made for my flute. PP, do you recommend anybody in particular, as I don't have any idea who to approach for this .... Doesn't look like the big flute companies have anything like that, except for Brannen.

Thanks so much!

[pied_piper]

Do you want/need someone nearby or would you be willing to ship your flute? I ask because, precise measurements will be needed. If the tech does not have an identical model Sankyo, yours would have to be measured to be sure the extensions fit.

I'll put out feelers for a tech in your area that would be willing to make extensions.

[MissyHPhoenix]

If there is somebody nearby I would prefer that, but don't mind shipping. I ship it to Kentucky once a year for the COA because I'm picky about that work.

[pied_piper]

Missy - I checked on the repair forum and found what I was looking for. Matt Slauson is another tech that I am acquainted with on that forum. Here's an example of the custom flute key extensions he has done before. He's a respected tech and could do a good job for you.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/0803/ ... ification/

He is located in Auburn NY. I'll send you his contact information in a private message - emails published on forums like this can be harvested for spam and I wouldn't want to take a chance of that happening to him.