Flutists and parents often ask whether it’s best to split the E or not. As a teacher, can you explain the options clearly?

The “split E” is a clever mechanism that directly affects only one note on the flute—the third octave E. This is a troublesome note, to be sure. Composers love to use the third octave E in flute works, often calling for soft E’s that bounce off awkward intervals. Some flutists have no problem achieving the flexibility necessary to execute these musical acrobatics. Others find them challenging. They have real problems with this note that can make or break a solo performance. There is a solution to the problems. In fact, there are two solutions.

Solution One

The flute’s two G keys traditionally work together in tandem. On flutes with the split E mechanism, the flute maker has added a rod and a lever (that the flutist never touches) that allows the two keys to work independently. The second G key is mechanically lowered when the flutist fingers the third octave E. Part of the tone hole, but not all, is closed off. This allows proper venting to let the high E sing as easily as all the other high notes, and for the intervallic leaps to feel limitless.

Are there down sides to installing this magic lever? Perhaps.

First, the extra mechanism adds some weight to the flute. It’s not a lot of weight, but a sensitive player can feel a difference in the response and tonal color of the flute. This can make the flute feel better or worse, depending on the instrument and the player’s preferences.

Second, there is added cost. Adding a split E key may increase the flute’s price by anywhere from $100 to $450. The amount depends on the type of flute and the amount of hand work that is required to produce it.

Third, repairmen tend either to love the split E or to hate it. To be sure, it can add additional adjusting time to a flute overhaul. The split G key must be adjusted to a very light tolerance, and some feel that it never really seals tightly enough, causing repair techs unnecessary angst!

Fourth, the split E mechanism is extremely difficult to add to an in-line mechanism. Many companies will not even attempt to manufacture this combination because of the key binding that is prone to happen.

Solution Two

Another solution to the high E problem is to use a donut—a partial disk inserted into the second G tone hole on a traditional non E mechanism. This is a very easy operation. It can be performed at the factory or by a trained repair tech. This simple operation also creates venting of the G key. The benefits of choosing this remedy are low price (around $40), low weight (virtually nothing), and reversibility. But once the flutist gets to the third octave, he will notice a difference. The pitch of the third octave A will be lowered and a small change in response will occur. Once again, some flutists will like it and others will not.

Solution Zero

What about doing nothing? When the author was learning to play the flute, split E keys were exotic and unaffordable. Somehow she learned to be agile and to get around the problems of E. Was it comfortable? No. But now that playing habits are ingrained she will not choose to make a change in her flute mechanism.

In short, there is no right answer to the high E problem. Flutists and parents need to decide for themselves what is best. It’s the teacher’s job to explain the options and related pros and cons so that the student can choose what feels and sounds right to her.

Valerie Simosko,
Director, Marketing Flutes
Conn-Selmer, Inc.