Hi. First time here as a poster. Here`s the thing: I`ve been playing for about 6 years and a few months ago I started playing in front of a tuner, to work on my intonation. It is hard to hit every note, but on the two first octaves I can manage. It is on the third that everything goes to hell: always too sharp
Do you have any tip on how could I lower the pitch without killing the sound?
Some people have told that this is a problem with the Yamaha 481 (CY hj). If this is true, would it be just the hj or also the body? I can`t afford a new flute at this very moment but I could upgrade the hj. I`m new in this hemisphere, just a couple of moths, so I would appreciate some tips on where to get a hj, a place where I could test a few before.

Thanks a lot, and sorry about the speling.

I used to own a 481 and no matter what I did with it, I ALWAYS had that problem. I don`t know what is with the 481, but I even exchanged it twice and had the same problem with the other two. It was much better when I change over to the 581 (now the 684.) No matter what Yamaha model I play on though, I still have problems. It wasn`t till I changed brands till I discovered it wasn`t me.

Thanks for your answers. Would you say, then, that I`d just be better of with a different flute rather than a new head?
Any particular suggestion?
Good idea about the teacher, thanks!

Sorry, I forgot. There are no mechanical problems with the flute. I had it checked just a few moths ago.

Sorry again. How do you feel about Sonare, Amadeus and Dimedici? I`m a little suspicious, but I haven`t tried one.

intonation is largely controlled by the angle of the air, especially when playing loud or soft, if playing loud, especially up high, you will go sharp, so drop the angle of the air with the chin, do this in front of a tuner to see the result

juanjose,
You might consider trying out a different brand of flute if you have a chance and see if you get the same results. That is the only factor with Yamaha, the scale is uneven. It works for some, but not for everyone. I was cursed with perfect pitch, so it drove me nuts until I changed brands. Then I couldn`t beleive the difference and how much easier it was for me to play again. I could actually enjoy the flute again.

In March there will be a flute exhibit in NY, so I`ll take that chance to try different flutes and heads. I`m really excited
In the meanwhile, I`ll work on the embrochure, angle, direction, etc. You`re great, thanks a lot.

Gee Kara, I`m so sorry to hear about your curse. I know the feeling, I was cursed with good looks and great wealth. People just don`t understand our burden.

Lol, Bob! Trust me, it can be a huge curse somtimes. I always think of it more as a curse then anything.
So...you were cursed with good look, huh? Let`s see a picture!

You’ve got a good sense of humor, Kara. Some people take things way too seriously. I think playing music is fun, talking about it should be fun as well. And as for the picture, well, wouldn’t you just rather have some money?

I`ll take some money if you`re handing it out

Bob,
I hope that you enjoyed my picture. No, I would rather have a picture, but yes, money is always nice to have too. I`m working on it, if my husband doesn`t blow it on all the house repairs first.

PS. I should probably add that I have blown enough of his money, so I guess it would only be fair.

I thought "perfect pitch" meant you hear a note and know immediately it`s a C# (or whatever). My brother does not have (that sort of) perfect pitch, but he does have an extremely acute sense of pitch discrimination and is always complaining about very subtle lapses from professional (and often big- name) musicians. It seems a curse to me--at least it`s a curse to have endure his continual complaining. My sister and various other persons I`ve known have perfect pitch without an acute sense of pitch discrimination.

In any case, the curse of great wealth is easily remedied. I`m willing to do my part.