Hand spread for Low D

Subject: RE: Hand spread for Low D
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 12:51 AM

Thanks everyone.

I have tried Foolstroupe's advice on the arm position and it is more relaxed and I have used the pads on the second part of each finger (from the top.

I also had a think about how to stretch the fingers a little more particularly on the right hand. Bit like any sports warm up for stretching muscles and tendons. I am gently extending the distance between the fingers, particularly on the right hand a couple of times a day. Not too hard as you could damage the tendons and muscles if you go to hard at it. But done properly I can feel I am getting a better extention. I think the martial arts teahcers I had called this muscle memory. Each time you do it the muscles stretch a bit further.

Subject: RE: Hand spread for Low D
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 11:11 PM

I have Shaw, Overton & Howard Low Ds.

I do the reverse of Bob Bolton's suggestion, which involves dropping the elbows to the sides of your ribcage.

I discovered the position from the 'Flautist' position. Hold the whistle out to the right, with your hands on the outside of the whistle as if playing a 'Flauto Traverso' (modern flute or fife).

I mention this because in the Movie "The Great Escape" the fife is shown being played with the right hand reversed, a position I am not familiar with.

Place your finger tips over the holes, then rotate the whistle into the normal playing position out front and down. This will cause the hands to rotate into a position with the elbows tucked in. The side part of the pads of some fingers come into play, and the fingers become curved, compensating for the differences in distance between the fingers. I find it a very relaxed position.

I had a picture a friend took somewhere, but I can't find it.

Robin

Subject: RE: Hand spread for Low D
From: leeneia
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 05:50 PM

I have a flute in D that had a hole I couldn't possibly reach. So I took it to an instrument repair-person, and she put a key on it for me. With the key, my hands feel relaxed, and movement is natural. I believe this is the best and safest way to go.

Subject: RE: Hand spread for Low D
From: Hawker
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 05:25 PM

I must have very small hands! I use the middle pads on my upper fingers and still cant reach the bottom hole I too have taken to using my little finger, it works with a little practise and as long as you're playing the tune it surely doesnt matter what fingers you use!
Cheers Lucy, ~& let us know how you get on ShaghaiC

Subject: RE: Hand spread for Low D
From: Willa
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 03:33 PM

I have a Shaw Low D and find it difficult to play 'correctly'. I use my little finger for the bottom hole and find it covers the hole OK even though my fingers are thin, this allows first and second fingers to find a more comfortable postion. Like Sooz, I tend to use finger tips rather than flattened fingers.

Subject: RE: Hand spread for Low D
From: Bassic
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 02:51 AM

Try Weston Whistles. They made a Low D for me as a present for my partner with the holes closer together than normal. Aparently there are a number of variable factors in the placing of the holes which allow for a compromise position. The copper whistle they made for me cost less than £50. They are nice people so suggsest you contact them and have a chat. Its much easier than surgary on your hands!!! :-)

Subject: RE: Hand spread for Low D
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 02:42 AM

G'day Shangaiceltic ... and Sooz,

There is an alternate style of holding ... commonly called "Piper's Hold" ... where the third finger (mostly refers to the right hand, which has the greatest problems)uses the normal pad but the hand is then skewed clockwise so that the middle pads of the second and index fingers cover the second and third holes. It may not sound like it works ... but it does.

I am a shorter person (167 cm) - with short, stubby fingers - but I can happily play an Overton Low D ... and that, being cylindrical bore (and Bernard Overton will brook no adjustment to the theoretical 'perfect' hole positions), is one of the most difficult.

Go to this specialist whistle site for much more information, diagrams, discussion: Chiff & Fipple

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Hand spread for Low D
From: Sooz
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 02:20 AM

My fingers aren't even the right distance apart! Theres no way I can cover the holes except by using my finger tips and some physical contortion. I have more luck with my Susato Low E.

Subject: Tech: Hand spread for Low D
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 09:23 PM

Does not seem to be a category for this so I have put it under Tech;

Just got a low D whistle from Shaw's. Problem even though I am big person I seem to have small hands and therefore a small finger spread. Anyone else with this problem and have they any reccommended excecises to develop a good finger spread?