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Glossary

Adjustment screws

These are the small screws used to regulate the coupling between connecting keys. In some flutes they are visible when attached to the upper side of the keys. In other flutes they are hidden underneath the key mechanism. Handmade professional flutes are normally made without adjustment screws and are more difficult to regulate.

B foot

A foot joint that reaches down to low B, one half-step lower than the C foot, by extending the length of the flute and adding one more key. The B foot joint adds weight to the overall instrument and increases resistance that some believe results in producing an overall darker tone versus the brighter tone of a C foot joint. The B foot joint improves the overall pitch of the third octave but makes some of the high octave notes a little more difficult to produce. This is the most common configuration in the USA among step up flutes and above, also available in beginners' models. The use of a C foot in professional flutes is more common in Europe. many contemporary pieced use the low B where the lack of one may be a problem. By far, most professional flutes are equipped with a B foot.

C foot

A foot joint that reaches down to low C (middle C on the piano). A C foot contains 3 keys: D#, C# and C.

C# trill

A C# trill key is a lever that activates a key over an extra C# tone hole. This makes trilling from B to C# easier. There are also other uses of this key which facilitate fingerings for other trills and tremolos. Most notably it gives a reliable third octave G to A trill by fingering high G and trilling the C# trill key and the D trill key together. Additional trills include High F# to G#, High Ab to Bb. Tremolos are also easily executed between first octave G, Ab, D, Bb, B, or C to C#, D or D#. In the second octave, tremolos of A, Bb, B, or C to C# are made easy. It is normally available with offset G only.

Drawn tone holes

The tone holes are pulled (drawn) up from the main tube of the flute. In most cases these tone holes are rolled at the top to smooth out the contact with the pad. On older flutes, you may find drawn tone holes that are not rolled.
In opposed to soldered tone holes.

D# roller

A roller mounted on the D# key (right pinky). It facilitates the sliding motion of the little finger between the D# key and the C# spatula on the foot joint.

French

Also known as an open hole flute, with venting holes at the center of the A,G,F,E, and D keys. These holes can be closed with specially made plugs that can be inserted or removed by the player. The plugs are normally used during the adjustment period from a closed hole flute to an open hole flute. The open holes are also often used to enhance other acoustic of some notes and for special effects, by partially covering the hole. By far, most intermediate and professional flues are are French style.

G-A trill

Flutist often use this term interchangeably with the C# trill, but it's quite a different mechanism. The true third octave G-A trill incorporates two additional tone holes, covered by pads mounted on a single rod. This makes trilling G to A easier, but it does not offer the versatility of the C# trill in playing other trills and tremolos. This option is available on some handmade models.

Handmade model

All flutes require a considerable amount of "hand" work. The term "Handmade" refers to the upper level professional instrument assembly which requires extreme precision of workmanship and superb attention to details. This term also distinguishes handmade flutes from mass produced flutes.Handmade flutes are usually made out of precious metal such as silver, gold, platinum or a combination of those. They would most often come with soldered tone holes and without adjustment screws. Many professional flute manufacturers offer high end flutes with drawn tone holes which thy refer to as handmade.

See professional flute page

In-line G

A key layout where the G keys are placed in a straight line with the rest of the keys on the flute, mounted on the same rod as the other left hand keys next to each other.

Offset G

A key layout where the G keys are offset slightly from the rest of the keys, mounted on their own posts, separate from the other left hand keys. Makes it easier to reach them with the left middle finger. In my opinion this is also a more mechanically stable and reliable design as if removes pressure from the left hand hinge which often causes sluggish Bb key operation when the G keys are pressed.

Plateau

Also know as a closed hole flute. See "French"

Pointed cup arms

A key design that connects keys to the rod with a raised, pointed arm which extends to the center of the key. Also refered to as "Styled keys" or "French pointed arms". Mostly found on handmade flute although recently is offered on some step up student flutes as well.

Semi handmade model

This term refers to any model flute made by a professional flute maker that has adjustment screws and drawn tone holes and is not categorized by the manufacturer as handmade. This may be an all silver flute or one with a silver head joint only. Examples: Muramatsu EX, GX and AD, Powell Signature etc. These models are usually in the $2500-$5000 range. For service rates purposes, these flute belong to the professional category with adjustment screws.

Soldered tone holes

The tone holes of the flute are formed separately and then soldered to the body of the flute. Soldered tone holes have a much thicker wall and are usually slightly tapered at the top. On modern flutes, soldered tone holes are found almost exclusively on high end, top of the line handmade flutes.

Split E mechanism

A mechanism feature that facilitates producing high E. The two G cups operate separately which allows the lower G cup (the closed one which is not directly pressed by a finger) to close when the E key is pressed. This feature is not normally added to an existing flute, although it's possible (and expensive) to do so.

Student model

A general term that refers to a beginning or entry-level instrument. Usually made of silver or nickel plated tubing, with closed holes keys, offset G key, and C foot. There is no difference in size or the way you play it when compares to professional flutes.

See student flute page

Y shaped cup arms

The cup is connected to the hinge with a Y shaped piece soldered to the back of the cup on the outer skirt. This is a simple design found on most student and intermediate model flutes.