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Post by tjetje on May 31, 2016 13:42:59 GMT
I want to buy one but my hands are so tiny/awkward, I have trouble with most instruments and have failed to play so many properly due to that reason.
I just want to ask abut the size of smaller versions to see if there are any available that I can play with my tiny hands?
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Post by davidmdahl on May 31, 2016 15:17:27 GMT
Welcome to the forum, tjetje. Which instrument do you want to play?
Best wishes,
David
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Post by tjetje on May 31, 2016 16:01:32 GMT
Thanks.
I want to mainly play Xiao but Dizi also ok. What's important is the sizing, whatever fits is what I can play.
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Post by davidmdahl on Jun 1, 2016 5:43:21 GMT
The two most common keys for xiao are G and F, which are likely to be a challenge for small hands. I have average/medium hands, and the xiao is still a challenge. The usual sizes recommended for beginners on dizi are the keys of C and D. If that is too much of a stretch for your hands, you might try higher keys. The high G dizi should be comfortable for your hands, but the embouchure requires more focus, which is not usually a good choice for a beginner. I suggest starting with the lowest key that is comfortable for your hands. When you have a handle on that, you can work yourself into more of a stretch. It is important to start with a flute that doesn't lead you into bad habits, such as tension and bad posture.
Best wishes,
David
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Post by tjetje on Jun 1, 2016 12:53:59 GMT
Thanks for the information, but could I get actual measurements? Especially if I'm ordering online there is no way to actually see the exact size so I've barely looked. I've tried a couple physical stores so far, but their selections are too huge for my hands.
I'm not truly a complete 'beginner'. True that there are adjustments needed per instrument but I can adapt. I've learned on a soprano recorder (but I still can't cover the last hole!) and have no problem with adjusting for other recorders' fingering as well as other instruments. I've already attempted some xiao or dizi fingering and it's not so hard to adjust. Even though it's the wrong instrument, the correct fingers can cover holes and do techniques, even though the wrong sounds are produced. The only problem is when I move to the actual instrument, the size troubles me so I can't actually cover the holes. So, as long as I get an actual instrument that fits my hands, I can play no problem.
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Post by davidmdahl on Jun 1, 2016 18:21:38 GMT
It is not clear to me which flutes you have tried were too large for your hands. I suggested the G dizi as a reasonable size to try. This is the same size of flute as a D Irish whistle, so it might provide a ballpark finger position, in case the whistle is easier to find. (The dizi is named from the pitch produced by covering the three left hand holes.)
It is common for whistle and flute players when playing a larger flute to use the flat of the fingers, even up the knuckle, in order to reach the holes. If you can't reach the holes with the finger tips, you might experiment with this technique. It is an adjustment, but you can use the same method for larger flutes when you are ready.
Best wishes,
David
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Post by tjetje on Jun 1, 2016 20:06:43 GMT
I tried every dizi in one of the stores - they seemed to have the entire set and all of them were too large. Perhaps my question is unclear, I need something that is made smaller on purpose (like for a child) but I need the measurements.
As for your trick on flat of the fingers, that's what I attempt to do already. However that makes my span even more smaller and more awkward to cover all holes properly. The size of the hole itself is also a problem because my finger are skinny.
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Post by davidmdahl on Jun 1, 2016 23:27:49 GMT
Dizi flutes are sold by key, not measurements. It will be a challenge to get useful measurement information, other than overall length. On the Eason Music website, there are listings for the highest flutes available off-the-shelf, in the xiaodi category. At least for the Dong Xue Hua model, there is a video sample so you can see the size of the flute and hear the sound. This size of dizi is a challenge to play, due to the embouchure requirements, and you will definitely need hearing protection.
I still think it is worth making sure that a bangdi G flute will not work for you. They are popular enough, but it is hard to know if you actually tried one at the music store. There is a video of the G dizi at the Eason site, which might be useful to you.
There are a lot of bamboo and wooden flute makers around the country (USA at least), some of whom are likely to be willing to work with you to come up with a flute that fits your hands. If wood is okay, you might try a conical flute, which sets the finger holes a little more close together.
Best wishes,
David
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Post by tjetje on Jun 2, 2016 5:28:35 GMT
I see, and there are no commerically available smaller sizes? Like 7/8 keyboards are 5.5 inch. Measurement clearly stated.
USA is way too far unless they can ship free.
My budget is not so high, I can't really spend more than NT3000 at most. There are prices under NT1000 in physical stores in Taipei but too big. I'll have to check physical stores (or get someone to) in Hsinchu, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xi'an, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong next.
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Post by Blue on Jun 2, 2016 16:17:13 GMT
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Post by tjetje on Jun 2, 2016 17:13:07 GMT
Why, what's wrong with Hsinchu? I've just listed all the places I'm going to be for the next year or have someone there that can help.
Looks like the rakuten website looks good. I guess I'll just have to see if they fit but they do look small enough.
Is a C or D better in terms of possible tunes? Though I may have to transpose for it, but I haven't transposed anything for over 10 years, I forgot.
Thanks!
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Post by Blue on Jun 3, 2016 0:05:48 GMT
I live in Hsinchu: that's all.
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