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How to hold a flugelhorn?

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Tom Ciaramitaro

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Aug 17, 2002, 11:51:50 PM8/17/02
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How do you hold a flugel (left hand)? Doesn't seem to fit comfortably
like a trumpet.
Thanks!
=Tom

Michael Flory

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Aug 18, 2002, 3:15:24 AM8/18/02
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I like to think 2 fingers up top, 2 on the bottom, thumb around the
valves...good control of the trigger ( if you have it) and well balanced...

Michael Flory

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William E. Graham

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Aug 18, 2002, 4:07:10 AM8/18/02
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I put left index finger above the pipe, left middle finger
below the pipe, and use my left ring finger with pinkie
support for the third valve trigger.....

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G or C Elliott

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Aug 18, 2002, 6:08:26 AM8/18/02
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If you feel it is uncomfortable try holding it upside down and play it
like Clark Terry. Now that's uncomfortable!
I always wondered why a flugel is seemingly left handed, while the
trumpet designed for "North Paws". Any answers?
Glenn

Gary Morrison

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Aug 18, 2002, 8:43:32 AM8/18/02
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I've been pondering that same question. I'm glad you asked.

After experimenting a bit, I've found that I get a straighter wrist without
the bell obscuring the sheet music from having my thumb under the leadpipe,
and the splitting my fingers (Star Trek vulcan style!) between 2nd and 3rd
fingers (or 3rd and 4th if you use piano finger numbering).

I started out with my thumb above the leadpipe, but that ended up twisting
my wrist too much, because I have to tilt the bell down at least a little
to be able to see the music.

Gary Morrison

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Aug 18, 2002, 8:49:03 AM8/18/02
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> ... and the splitting my fingers (Star Trek vulcan style!) between 2nd and
> 3rd
> fingers

I should point out that I also got a pretty decent feel from only the little
finger below the tube from the valves (whatever that tube is called) and my
index finger touching the base of the bell.

It's probably also worth pointing out that my arms are long than average, so I
may have to use more elbow angle than usual.

Gary Morrison

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Aug 18, 2002, 8:50:36 AM8/18/02
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Gary Morrison wrote:

> I'm glad you asked.

I should point out that I say that because I too am looking for input on that
question, not because I claim to "know it all."

Mike Jones

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Aug 18, 2002, 2:58:59 PM8/18/02
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I've found that you can get the best distance by holding it from the curve
leading to the bell and whipping it out like a hammer. It gets the best
distance too. ;-)


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