Open-G# Flute

Simona · Post by **Simona** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 9:10 pm

I play on flute more than 10 years ago in different country,
and it was Open-G# Flute. Is anybody know if I still can buy
this type of flute here in USA?

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 10:06 pm

You can indeed. Many makers of professional flutes can build you a G# flute, or if you are looking for a slightly more economical option, watch eBay, as they turn up rather often, or usedflutes.com.

Simona · Post by **Simona** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 9:00 am

Is offset G and openG# the same things ?
And also how I can identify that type of flutes?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Professional-G-R-Ue ... dZViewItem

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 12:05 pm

No, they are not the same thing. An offset G is where two keys are placed on a separate rod, putting them out of line with the rest of the mechanism without changing any fingerings, while an Open G# system changes the position of the tonehole normally associated with the G# lever and requires that this lever be used for most fingerings. So if you're looking for an Open G# system flute, unfortunately the one you left a link to simply won't do. I suggest looking around for pictures of Open G# flutes to learn what they look like, as over the internet, a visual is probably the only way to identify them. The G# lever will not have a tonehole on the back of the flute, as it does in closed G# system instruments, but instead, it will operate an extra key in line with the rest of the mechanism.

Simona · Post by **Simona** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 3:48 pm

Thanks a lot for your help.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 5:11 pm

No problem! Glad to help a fellow flutist!

ick27 · Post by **ick27** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:02 pm

Open G# flutes are rather rare, and I don't think they are mass manufactured anymore at all. You might be able to find one on e-bay eventually, but it might end up being better trying to learn to play a closed G# flute. You could get an open G# flute made for you of course, at some expense (and time) but I would only suggest that if you are really a serious player.

Simona · Post by **Simona** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:22 pm

I play on OpenG# flute sins I was 11 years old,for about 10 years,
then I didn't play at all for 8 or 9 years.

How hard it will be for me to learn the new G# key ?

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:27 pm

It won't be easy, but it won't be terribly difficult either. Since the fingerings generally are the same with the exception of the G# key, it's really a relatively small change. Since you already have experience playing, and it's exactly the same besides the G#, you shouldn't have too much trouble...It'll just need some practice and dedication.