Hey everyone,

I am new here, and this is my first post. I have been playing flute for about six years. I bought a new flute last year, and am extremely happy with it. I had an offset G originally and got one the second time with out really thinking about it. What is the difference between and offset G or an inline G. Is it primarily comfort reasons or does the position of the keys chance the sound at all. Well I was just wondering. Thanks in advance for your help. I hope to be of some help to someone in the future as well.

Cristine

it dosen't affect the sound. it for comfort before like 1980 there were no off set gs on the flute all in line.i perfer them to off set becasue duing fast passages they are easier to reach than inline gs. thats how i feel i don't know about you its all personal preference. happy practicing

It's purely a matter of which your fingers find more comfortable.

There are some mechanical issues as well.
With inline, a split E becomes mechanically less stable.

But mostly, it is a matter of ergono0mics- some people can tolerate inline G with no problem at all, some (like me) do fine as long as the G key has a plug, and some people (mostly with small hands) develop repetitive stress injuries to their hands on inline.

<Added>

And Louis Lot developed the inline G a looong time ago.

Yes they were for sure. My old Yamaha 21-S, which I bought back in 1978, was offset G.

One advantage for people who really like it, is that the offset G permits the instalation of the Split E mechanism, a resource that really facilitates emiting the high E (My old Yamaha had it too :-). Note that this doesn't mean that a flute without this mechanism would play badly. Practicing solves anything...

Zevang

I like the offset g as it is easier to teach young kids how to play better than inline. I also like to play offset g as it is easier for the faster songs.

Thanks everyone for your coments. I thought it was purely for comfort, but I wanted to make sure. Thanks for all the added info as well.

Cristine

Suzie,

I always enjoy your pictures of old flutes. You are like a flute picture library.

I could play a flute with an inline G comfortably until I broke my hands. Now it becomes painful after a few days.

You just have to find out what works for you.

IIRC, a few of the major makers also has a half-offset option. Apparently this is kind of the best of both worlds approach.

Another approach is to get an inline flute with closed holes, since you can then hit the G key a bit off-center without causing much strain. but these tend to be pricey handmade ones.