Which Flutes are Better?
Open-holed flutes vs Closed-holed flutes
As many flutists know, there are flutes with an open hole; literally keys with an opening in the middle, and flutes with a closed hole; which do not have openings on the keys. When you purchase a new open-holed flute, it comes with little rubber corks in the holes. After playing the flute for a while and you feel that you are ready, you can remove these corks one at a time or all at once. You would need a bit of a trial-and-error when you take the plugs out to make sure the finger-tops can properly seal off the entire hole. Until a young flutist gets the hang of it and have all the holes completely sealed, an open-holed flute will sound a bit on the airy or squeaky side. It is completely okay and completely normal. Anyone can learn to play well on an open-holed flute.
What are the benefits of open-hole flutes? Do they sound better than closed-hole flutes?
Does an open-holed flute sounds better than a closed-hole flute? The simple answer to that question is no, they do not sound better. But, there are some points to be explored before you can fully have your own opinion.
A flute student’s improved hand position is actively encouraged when playing on an open-holed flute. Correct hand positions are encouraged since finger tops need to be perfectly centered on the hole in order to play a nice sound without any air leaking from the flute. Playing with leaking air makes the flute squeak. By directly encouraging good hand positions, flute students can improve their finger movement, which allows them to have relaxed, faster, and fluid fingers.
Improved volume and tone is a possibility only because it has become a tradition that flutes of higher quality mostly all have open-holes. The higher the quality, the higher the price tag. Volume and tone can be attributed to the ability of the player for the most part, and a nicely made instrument of quality materials can only enhance their experience.
Why would anyone choose to play an open-hole vs. a closed-hole flute?
Extended techniques are needed when a flutist decides to stray from standardized flute repertoire. Flexibility in altering pitch now becomes an easier skill for the player with the open-holed flute. Bending of the notes, glissandos, quarter tones, etc. are just some of the techniques needed in modern repertoire and jazz music, but only a very small percentage of the flute-learning population will have a need for these extended techniques. Some of these techniques can easily be accomplished on the close-holed flute as well.
Some history to note is that many years ago the French decided to begin using open holes on six of the flute keys. This started a trend that has continued for flutes above the student level.
There are many admirable players around the world who do not play on open-hole flute. The choice between open or closed-hole is a preference, mostly. But because of accessibility, most intermediate and advanced players use the open-holed flute. However, special orders can be made through manufacturers to have closed-hole keys placed on upper-model flutes.
When would a player find open-holes inconvenient? When they have a bandaid on the top of any given finger. The solution to this problem is to use a cork the flute came with to make it a closed hole flute again.
