trying flute accessories and gadgets! | sound enhancers, pneumo pro, & more

I'm wondering what the enhancer would sound like on a much cheaper/lower quality flute, which is theoretically what it would be for. I don't think you really need to enhance your own flute too much lol

I always get that red spot but it’s a sign I’ve been practising well haha

Lung lung only needs 40 hrs. But... honestly interesting perspective, when I've review similar items, it's hard to tell if there is a difference.

My band director had us first practice on the pneumo pro (by itself, we never put it on the flute) when I started in 5th grade. It definetly helped me direct my air and get a better embrocure as a beginner. Never got that bottom one and very rarely remember getting that top one either though.

The Ciel sounds like it locks you in to playing aggressively. Like, I could hear dynamic differences. Your arpeggios sounded lovely both times. But when you started the excerpt the first time with a delicate color, the second time was aggressive or more in the face per say. The second excerpt it made you sound like you were ever so slightly losing control with it on.

I worked with the Pneumo Pro consistently for about five years (eighth grade to senior year of high school) and I can attest to its sound enhancing abilities. It really is just a tool to help flutists to focus their air and develop better lung capacity. It works wonders and I highly recommend it for any flutist!

I could hear the lower notes being a bit more full, but I personally don’t like the idea of something being glued to my flute... oh and btw I love this type of video ❤️

Sound enhancer!! Enhance. ENHANCE.

Personally, the ciel, is audibly louder and clearer but slightly harsher.

I bought a set of those silicone thumb rests and use them under the knuckle of my left index finger. I do have quite large hands and some early arthritis, so depending on the day, it really adds to my comfort level and allows me to have a more relaxed hand position. I agree with you, Katie, that it likely depends on the individual player. As an aside, I just bought my first alto recorder and it also fits ok as a thumb rest for that 😅

You could try the Lefreque sound bridge, I actually really like them. They can change your sound on cheaper flutes, as well as amplify the sound.

My instructor gave me a pneumo pro to try when I first started flute. It really helps with achieving range and clear high and low sounds. If I practice flute for more than half an hour I get a red spot on my left hand pointer finger so I bought the silicon rest and it helps so much when I’m practicing (even though I don’t use it for performances).

I could definitely hear a difference with the sound enhancer! I liked it.

Flutist of 31 years here. I could definitely hear a sound difference with the Ciel, and I'm sure you could too after watching the video back. The sound was more powerful and more projecting. However, not necessary, as your playing now has even grown more over the past year since you last made this video. As far as any gadget to place onto a flute, I say don't worry about any stigmas or what people might think. If you get a LeFreque, for example, and love the way you sound and how the flute feels with it on, if you just love playing your flute more with that little gadget, then yay! It's a good thing.

Good stuff! I’m not a flute player, but teach middle school band and am always looking for things to help my students. Just a thought about the last product (the sound enhancer): It’s possible that the product would have more of an impact on a student-level flute. Many intermediate to professional flutes are solid silver, or at least the head joints are, adding extra mass. With the lighter head joints, the added weight to a much lighter head joints might make the change in tone more noticeable. I could be wrong…Maybe another test with an entry level flute/head joint?

I could hear a difference when you added the sound enhancer, but I don’t like the idea of something being glued to my flute. I think that’s why the lefreque was created. It’s just held on with a band.

My teacher used the pneumo pro when she was teaching me, and it really helped me learn how to make good sound, I highly recommend 👍

I am using a Pneumo pro as I am teaching myself to learn the flute via internet tutor. It definitely helps. I blow on it before I do my practice sessions for about 5 minutes or so. I find it makes me better aware where to blow on the registers. Thanks for your lovely music and tips. :)

Wow so shocked I actually recognised the last extract of the piece you were playing to try out the ciel. It's one of the Piazolla Flute tango Etudes. Just very suprised as I really have not played many pieces.

You have a wonderful sound ! Enjoyed listening to you play and I want to hear more . You’re a great example of wonderful flute playing . Thanks.