It can. Most open hole flutes have the key cups set at a different height than a comparable plateau flute would to compensate for the extra venting through the perforations. Most noticeably this will effect pitch (if it effects anything to a noticeable degree), but the design of some plugs causes even more unevenness in the air column within the flute than having just the open hole. It's really not worth worrying about in my opinion, as most plugs will have little to no effect, and any pitch changes are minimal and can be compensated for.

my mom says im a lot louder on my opened hole flute then i was on my other one :-)

are you sure micron cos i sound the same on both my old closed one as i do on my opened one, just im lounder on the opened hole one - this is great !! your all really freindly

He's correct Meggie. The open holes do not effect how loudly you can play. As has been mentioned several times, they allow pitch shading, extended effects, and some notes into the fourth octave, and nothing else. They have no impact on sound (that is the player and the headjoint), they do not offer better hand position (what is better for one may not be for another), and they are not always better flutes.

oh - i must be getting better then !! lol

That could very well be, but loudness does not necessarily equate to skill. You need to be able to play with a full range of dynamics all over the flute (ppp in the 3rd octave, and ff in the bottom). Quite honestly, playing loudly is more easily than playing quitely, as pp passages require a great deal of control to maintain tone and dynamic level while still playing musically, while in a ff passage, you can often times just blow and not even think about what you're doing with the air.

Well, possibly. New flutes bring newfound confidence sometimes.

However, more than likely, as someone already mentioned, your new intermediate flute came with a better headjoint, and that (along with your new flutey feelings) is probably the biggest contributor to your improved sound.

Judy

thanks judy, i think you could be right - i am happier on my new flute and enjoy making the sound as big as i can, but that doesnt mean i cant play soft, it just a hole deal bigger thing going on,if you get me

I can. I did not spout with authority about things I knew little about. Some adults do that. Some youngsters do. Some adults don't. Some young kids don't. It does not really have a lot to do with age, but rather personality.

Some how I find that hard to beleive knowing your personality, but what ever you say.........

Wow Micron, that is a bit rude.

When I was a little kid, whenever I got new sneakers, I used to think that I could run faster. So I did. I thought it, therefore I did it.

What one perceives is very much the truth for that person.

One feels prettier in certain clothing, sexier in certain clothing, it is all very real to that person.

Ok again... ages ago i replied and all u guys did was make a mockery me! i am SICK of forums. that is why i hardly ever come on this.

Say what you want. i dont know where you're all from but im from Australia and maybe we think differently about things to you guys?!

I think that open holed flutes achieve perfect position and i dont care who tells me otherwise. I was told this fact when I bought my flute. Of course I dont have the evidence because it was a conversation!!

I dont care what you think of what i'm saying because i am sick to death of everyone else bagging me for MY OPINION!! All of these silly little forums that are supposed to HELP us turn into arguments. WTF?? honestly?! Grow up.

Oh and go ahead, highlight little bits of this into little squares then pick on it! You know you want to.

Come to think of it. Get screwed. I quit this forum

"yay party the person with no knowledge is gone!!"

pfft

I FAT YOU ALL!!

I think you made a wise decision, Flutie-tootie. If you do not care for other's opinions and you feel sick of Forums, you simply do not fit here.

Whatever "I fat you all" means, I wish the same for you. I hope it's a nice thing howver, but perhaps I am being too much optimistic this time.

Flutie-tootie I also think you made a wise choice. When you get years behind you and you look back at this you will come to the conclusion that it is you yourself that has the growing up to do. It is hard for the experienced adult flutists in a forum not to correct silly notions when someone comes on hear spouting off unrealistic ideas. Sorry, I try to be nice, but come on...

<Added>

Correction, HERE, not hear.