For many years, I had only one flute bought from a book shop in Miri in the early 60's. This was the flute which I played in the boarding house at Tanjong in 1963/64. It is of key D. It has travelled with me all over the world to Australia in 1966, back to Brunei in 1972, Miri in the 70's, 80's and 90's. Then to NZ in 1995. Sometimes I still play this old flute at home in Hamilton.
 |
| key D |
All I needed was just this one flute for many years. Then I discovered that there are also flutes made in keys C, E, F and G. After I retired, I gradually bought more flutes and tried them all. Through the years, I have collected quite a few bamboo flutes. My favourite key is C because it is not so loud and much softer in tone and more suitable for playing old Chinese pop songs. The D key is a bit louder and good for playing Scotland the Brave on the golf course whenever the group in front is walking too slowly. I always kept a D in my golf bag!
