What other instrument can a flautist most easily learn?

[PollyT]

......Out of preferred list of clarinet, oboe and sax?

[saxy_jag]

Well, many pro sax players are expected to 'double' on flute and/or clarinet. Sax and flute have very similar fingering, although the embouchure (mouth shape) is very different, and whilst the flute is pitched in C (ie, finger C and you get C), the sax is pitched in either E flat or B flat (ie, you get C if you finger Eb/Bb respectively).

The clarinet is pitched in Bb, and fingering is similar, but changes according to which part of the instrument's range you're playing in.

The oboe is pitched in C and often plays from a flute part in bands, but again, embouchure is very different to either flute or sax/clarinet. In fairness, you don't often see flautists doubling on it.

[PollyT]

Thanks for that saxy_jag. It sounds as though the oboe will be the one (love that sound!)

[Count_Emmup]

I too love the sound of the oboe but I am told it is extremely difficult to play. One described it as 'like blowing bubbles with a straw...
in a bucket ful of sh1t'!

[PollyT]

Thanks Count!

[Count_Emmup]

Plus they are quite dear, even s/h they're the thick end of �500 - quite a consideration if you don't master the instrument....

[PollyT]

That's a good point Count. I don't like the thought of second hand ones, seems a bit unhygienic - but I've noticed Argos are now offering clarinets and flutes for under �200. Probably get what you pay for, but that seems fine for the purpose I'm trying to meet!

[Count_Emmup]

You won't get an oboe for that price anywhere. But hygiene isn't a problem with them as the reed that you blow down is seperate from the main instrument and would need replacing as a matter of course.