Professional Flute Extras - Do You Need Them? FCNY Sponsored

Professional model flutes offer extra options such as the C# Trill, the D# Roller, and the Split E Mechanism. But do you know what these options do for you? And do you really need them?
The Flute Center of New York sent me a couple of flutes with some of these options so that we can answer these questions and more. I will show you what they look like and discuss what they do for you or what they might not do for you.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
FCNY Code: DRFLUTE 1:12
Split E Mechanism 3:07
C# Trill 7:01
Offset G 10:10
Inline G 10:19
D# Roller 11:41
Tubing Thickness 14:14
Headjoint Metals 16:35
Lip Plate & Riser 17:06
Tone Holes 18:25
Bottom Line 23:30
Have fun!
DoctorFlute
Here are the flutes demonstrated:
William S. Haynes Custom Handmade Silver Flute - .014” Thin Wall Tubing
All silver tubing, mechanism, tone holes, rings, ribs, and posts; lightweight pinless mechanism, soldered tone holes, French (open hole) model, pointed style key arms, gold springs, offset G key, split-E mechanism, C# trill key, and B footjoint. Handmade in USA.
flutecenter.com/products/will...
Haynes Silver Handcut Headjoint - Coin Silver Tubing, Silver Lip Plate and 14K gold riser, .016” standard wall tubing, Piedmont cut headjoint. Handmade in USA.
flutecenter.com/collections/c...
Muramatsu Handmade Custom Flute Model DS - .018” Heavy Wall Tubing
Muramatsu Handmade Custom Flute Model DS - sterling silver hand-cut headjoint, sterling silver body and mechanism, pinned mechanism, drawn tone holes, French (open hole) model, pointed key arms, gold springs, Muramatsu pads, A=442, D-sharp roller (standard), B footjoint. Handmade in Japan.
flutecenter.com/products/mura...
Thank you, Flute Center of New York, for sponsoring this video.
If you're interested in setting up a flute trial, please consider FCNY and tell them I sent you to get some extras for free.
To start your flute trial, you'll first want to go to flutecenter.com and fill out the form. Here’s the link:
flutecenter.com/pages/trial-form
Then put my code: “DrFlute” in the box labeled “Influencer Code.”
This code gives you these extras with some exceptions:
*3 extra days to try your flute - that’s a 10-day trial instead of only 7 days
*6 extra months of warranty on your new flute - that’s 18 months instead of only 12 months
*Free Shipping of up to three flutes, piccolos, and/or headjoints at a time for trial!
*10% off sheet music
*Free domestic shipping on instrument purchases
Plus, when you purchase a new flute using my code, FCNY will pay me a small commission. Thank you!
Professional Flute Extras - Do You Need Them? FCNY Sponsored
Read my Blog on this topic:
Professional Flute Extras - Do You Need Them?
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[@CrankyBeach]

I'm a reasonably competent amateur player. My flute (which I've had for many decades, since my first year in college) is a 1970 Armstrong Heritage thin wall (and it's quite the honker, although it has soldered tone holes) with no extra gizmos. I too have worked hard to wrestle the high E into submission, and am pretty satisfied with the result. And I've never had a C sharp trill key, so I make do without it. The only extra gizmo I would really have a use for would be the D sharp roller. There have been times when I would have liked to have it, because getting that pinky to slide from the D sharp down to the C sharp (last 2 notes of Syrinx, for example) can be dicey. Interestingly... a few years ago I bought a Nuvo plastic flute for a just-goofing-around flute, and it has the D sharp roller, go figure. :) It's also quite an amazing flute when you consider it's basically a glorified hunk of PVC pipe. I do have to work a little harder to get a decent sound out of it, but I can take it out into the woods and not worry about it if I drop it in the creek, as it's completely waterproof.

[@DoctorFlute]

It sounds like the flute you have is good! I don't have anything extra on my flute and I've done fine without it. I think if I did have some extras I would use them but not having them I don't miss them. I think have the Tocco flute for having fun is great option. I did a review on that flute and I agree that it is a fine flute and it can give a really decent tone. Have fun with it!

[@eastmarvista3267]

This is a must-watch video! It is EXCELLENT and informative. I'm in the process of purchasing an intermediate flute, and this will help me tremendously. Thank you. Timing is everything. 🙂

[@DoctorFlute]

Timing is everything! Hi French! How exciting. Keep me posted on what you pick.

[@eastmarvista3267]

@@DoctorFlute I really like the Haynes Amadeus 680 w/ open hole, b-foot, c# trill, split E, offset G, & Haynes classic headjoint in sterling silver. I really like the ease of note generation.

[@DoctorFlute]

Can't go wrong with that flute!

[@amidala3927]

As a student, a C# trill was worth every penny and ounce to me. It opens up a larger key hole--and thus the sound--of the notoriously pitchy C# and third octave G#. I practiced a lot during my tone work on getting a great sound for those notes using the C# key fingering option, then jumping back and forth to the traditional fingering. Man, that worked great for me! After years of struggle, a few weeks of that and I was so much more comfortable. Just hearing a high G# ( my nemesis) come out so sweetly and easily was a great confidence booster and a glimpse at what it could and should be. I still go back to the alternative fingering with the C# key for slow pieces, especially in an orchestra where I want them to soar out perfectly right from the start. An off-set G to me is an absolute must have. My first flutes were all in-line. I thought offset would help reaching keys, but I had no idea how easy it would be on my arms and posture. I can play so much longer now, even with all the weight of "the extras". Now, my old flute feels flimsy and unbalanced and makes my wrist cramp. Give me a big, hefty flute now. It feels like it sits solidly in my hands, rock steady while I work on technique. As long as it's offset, my wrists don't notice the weight.

[@DoctorFlute]

Hi Amidala! You definitely have good opinions on these options. All good stuff. I have never had them and feel that they are all very helpful but not necessary. I'm glad these extras work for you. Fantastic!

[@iluvmusic]

Thank you so much! I have a yamaha 574 model and my flute teacher never explained what all my extra keys were for. Ive decided to take up my flute again for fun but i would like to be knowledgeable this time

[@DoctorFlute]

Fantastic!

[@dgrjazz]

Hi. I’m a self taught flute player and I appreciate this video. Two years ago I bought a Sonore 705 after spending several hours playing it and a similarly priced diZhau. The Sonaré came without a split E and I’m glad it did. Before I left for the two hour trip to the music store, my teacher had told me that while the split E mechanism might make the high E better it often makes the F# harder. It was the sound.of the Powell that drew me do it and I still like it. The F# is still a problem so I’m glad I opted to forgo the Split E. Thanks for your videos.

[@DoctorFlute]

I love self taught flutists! It does seem that when an innovation occurs something else suffers. I bet your Powell sounds fabulous!

[@laurentdarcq5624]

Very instructive ! Thank you

[@DoctorFlute]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertzsombok7661]

Great video! Very informative 🤓🎼😍

[@DoctorFlute]

Thanks Robert!

[@justinpierce7712]

For me personally, these options dont really apply to me. I mean sure the C# trill would be nice and so would the D# roller. But knowing me, they wouldn't really get used. Also, the split E mechanism is kind of unnecessary for me because I don't use the correct high E fingering. The fingering I use is an A with the D# trill key. It comes out a lot clearer and easier and is more in tune than the normal fingering. Also, it allows for certain trills which sound nicer too. Those trills are the high E to F and high E to F#. Its basically trilling an A-Bb and A-B but with the D# trill key down. Fantastic video and this was super helpful!

[@DoctorFlute]

Hi Justin! I like your alternative fingerings. I'll have to try them.

[@justinpierce7712]

@@DoctorFlute Cool! I forgot to add that I personally can't tell a difference between flutes that do or don't have a split E (I use the regular fingering for testing it and comparing). I feel like I play the high E the same way with and without. However, it is quite helpful on piccolo. Also thank you!

[@kryzak123]

Super helpful explanation! When I'm ready for upgrading my headjoint, I'll definitely explore the gold and platinum risers.

[@DoctorFlute]

Thanks Bernie! You will love the risers. It gives you the benefit of gold (or platinum) without the price tag of a fully gold headjoint.

[@kryzak123]

@@DoctorFlute I hope I do too! I did try the 14K riser in the Miyazawa 202 that I ended up not getting (went with Yamaha 677 instead), but I couldn't tell the difference too much (at least not enough for the $800 difference). Maybe I just have to get better first before I can tell riser vs no riser. :)

[@janh.7557]

I very appreciate this video.❤

[@DoctorFlute]

I'm so glad!

[@gingebrien2408]

Wow . Thank you. You gave me tons to think of. Far from professional flautist. I have an old Armstrong model 104 with bent neck. I’ve always wanted a solid sterling silver flute. I leaned I need to play and learn a lot more before I jump to purchase.

[@DoctorFlute]

Glad I could help! That sounds like a plan.

[@Gigimamapa5]

Good to know.

[@DoctorFlute]

I wish I knew this when I picked out my flute years ago! Are you looking for a flute?

[@PooMonkeyMan]

The weirdest thing I noticed about jumping from an intermediate flute to a professional flute is that the E3 comes out much easier, even without a split E. I hadn’t played in about 7 years yet when I tried playing E3 on a professional level flute, it came out with ease compared to my old intermediate flute. I also swear by inline G. Played on an offset G as a beginner and all I yearned for was an inline. The sight of an offset still pales in comparison to an inline G. Might irk some people but it does have a particular look to it that makes it look so elegant.

[@DoctorFlute]

I completely agree with the elegance of an inline G. I too always thought of offset as a beginner thing. I'm so ensconced in the inline G that I would not change it at this point. I think the intricacies of a handmade professional flute is what makes the E3 easier to come out.

[@KarinaEijo]

The best part of the C# trill is a proper G-A trill with the C# trill and and first trill key. I do agree it’s heavier though. For me split E is not worth it; I don’t really like how the extra rod feels. If I were to change flutes, I would definitely consider the D# roller. Even with my flute, sometimes my pinky gets stuck on the small gap between the D# key and the low B.

[@DoctorFlute]

Great advice! That pinky key movement is a troublesome little bugger!

[@TracyKMainwaring]

My flute without the extras is only 4grams lighter than my flute with the split E and C# trill.

[@dcallan812]

interesting topic Even with the split e key mine would still sound awful. 🤣 . My old Pearl has a D# roller but I think it might have been back to Pearl for that fitted. (I dont know how longs the D~roller has been a thing) Adding to the extas you can add o your flute whats your take on LefreQue Sound Bridge's? Is it just a bit of snake oil or can they make a diffrence?

[@DoctorFlute]

Hi DC! Funny you should ask that question,,,, kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5nRiH1nnN-bsJo

[@starckwest6358]

very interesting. I'm allways looking for a flute enough good for replacing my pro one in case of problem... which one can be? in a middle budget

[@DoctorFlute]

What is your professional flute? For a middle budget flute I think the Azumi or the Sonare are fantastic choices.

[@johnaskin13]

Over here in the UK split e and offset G usually come as standard until you reach the more professional models. It wasn't until I bought a Gemeinhardt from the US of A that I ended up with an inline g.

[@DoctorFlute]

Do you like the in line G?

[@johnaskin13]

@@DoctorFlute No not really. I spent so much time using an offset G the inline feels totally wrong. Saying that different flutes, bassoons, clarinets etc all have their own quirks but moving the key 1-2 cms makes a huge difference to an automatic finger movement.

[@DoctorFlute]

I think it is what you are used to. I'm used to in line G so going to off set at this point is not something I am going to do. I think it would mess with my hands too much. I hope you adjust to the in line without too much trouble.

[@johnaskin13]

@@DoctorFlute Actually I'm thinking of changing to a Pearl Elgante Vigore 795 RBE or an Azumi AZ-Z3RBE. Do you think either of those flutes are any good? I want to upgrade but, as the flute is not my 1st instrument, I don't want to go overboard.

[@DoctorFlute]

I think either flute would be great. I've had multiple students use the Azumi and I really like. I'm sure the Pearl would be great too I just don't have experience with that one.

[@TracyKMainwaring]

I recently upgraded from an Armstrong 80B w/gold lip plate to a Pearl 665 w/gold lip plate. I started having significant shoulder problems. I keep hearing how these extra features add weight. So I weighed my flutes, and the new one was only 4 grams different. So, if you’re moving between comparable metal bases, I wouldn’t let that be a worry. Now, after 40 years, I don’t know that I can adjust myself/fingerings to take advantage of these new features LOL. For a newer player, yes-start to this way if you’re young enough your brain can be flexible LOL

[@DoctorFlute]

That weight difference doesn't seem like much. When you feel those two flute do you feel the difference in your hands? But yes oh to be young again!

[@TracyKMainwaring]

@@DoctorFlute When I just pick them up, my older Armstrong feels heavier LOL. It's darker, without out Y arms, it just looks like it'd weigh more, so I think it's psychological :D

[@KarinaEijo]

I said this before, but I prefer denser alloys over heavy wall especially with the American instruments (except Brannen because those flutes seem pretty light). I thought I would like a flute like the Brannen 15/85, but I didn’t really like how that sounded on me. The Burkart 95/5 platinum and both 998 flutes were all really beautiful instruments. Aurumite is a weird one for me-I really liked the 14K Ruby Aurumite but I didn’t really like the Aurumite with the gold on the inside. It’s super interesting! The options can be super overwhelming and silver instruments can go up to $20K now depending on what you put on it.

[@DoctorFlute]

I agree that there are so many options that you can keep trying flutes for a year. What is your dream flute?

[@KarinaEijo]

@@DoctorFlute Of all the flutes I’ve tried, I think I would like something like a Burkart 998 with the gold soldered tone holes and a Mancke head with an 18K riser. That flute would have a C# trill and a D# roller. I’m not completely sure if I would go for an in-line G or an offset G because I played on an inline for a long time. Now, I have an offset G but Powell’s feel more like half offset Gs. I am definitely open to trying other flutes like a Powell Custom with a gold or platinum riser, the Altus powdered silver flute, the Haynes 5% gold model, and the Burkart 5% platinum.

[@DoctorFlute]

Oh yes! Those sound fantastic. I love the Burkhart instruments and mine is a silver one with a platinum riser. We can all dream.

[@KarinaEijo]

@@DoctorFlute Definitely! I know I can grow more in the instrument that I have and I definitely wouldn't be looking into an instrument until I pay off my student loans. My instrument is not the most expeensive out there, but I think it's a fantastic instrument for the price point.

[@franklinOC1]

I just ordered a flute with a c# trill. International trials require full purchase so you cannot trial multiple. Unless you have a big bank account I guess. Hope it isn’t too heavy because I don’t want to go through the hassle of returning it.

[@DoctorFlute]

I am so excited for you! Which brand did you buy? Here's to hoping that you have the flute of dreams!

[@franklinOC1]

@@DoctorFlute yes, I’m pretty excited. I’m just waiting on it to arrive. It’s a muramatsu ds.

[@DoctorFlute]

oolala! Sounds wonderful!

[@marjanvanhuet1270]

Can you please tell me your experience with a high E facilitator (E 2)? Thanks you!

[@DoctorFlute]

I have no experience with it. I tried a flute with it and didn't like the extra weight so I probably wouldn't get a flute with that extra. Are you considering it?

[@marjanvanhuet1270]

@@DoctorFlute thanks for the quick answer. I think my E 2 is not pure enough and this was a posible solution. Thanks again!

[@starckwest6358]

do you know please maestra, which is the headjoint model on Sankyo silver which give enormous facility to reach big intervalls playing high to low register very clearily... thks

[@DoctorFlute]

No I don't know. I don't really know a lot about Sankyo flutes. You should send them an email. It would be interesting to what they say.

[@starckwest6358]

@@DoctorFlute good idea

[@cindywadkinson9046]

This the more redundant video. How many times will she repeat herself? I can’t stand it.