Acoustics of baroque, classical and modern flutes

modern flute
C foot

A#5

Music Acoustics UNSW

modern B modern C classical C classical D classical flared baroque B3
C4 C#4 D4 D#4 E4 F4 F#4 G4 G#4 A4 A#4 B4
C5 C#5 D5 D#5 E5 F5 F#5 G5 G#5 A5 A#5 B5
C6 C#6 D6 D#6 E6 F6 F#6 G6 G#6 A6 A#6 B6
C7 C#7 D7 D#7 E7 F7 F#7 multiphonics

Short Fingering

Impedance

Fingering
a key depressed
a key not depressed
a part of the mechanism that is not normally touched
Details in fingering legend.

Acoustic schematic
a closed tone hole
an open tone hole

Non-specialist introduction to acoustic impedance
Non-specialist introduction to flute acoustics


Impedance spectrum of a modern flute with a C foot measured at the embouchure hole using short fingering for A#4 and A#5. Z is plotted in dB, i.e. 20 log(Z/Pa.s.m-3).

The flutist uses the same fingering for A#4 and A#5, but changes the speed, length and shape of the jet. The first four minima can be played. These minima support harmonics in A#4. In A#5, only the second and fourth minima are important. The two fingerings given are acoustically equivalent: either the left thumb or the Bb lever is used to close the same hole.

Long Fingering

modern flute C foot

Impedance

Fingering
a key depressed
a key not depressed
a part of the mechanism that is not normally touched
Details in fingering legend.

Acoustic schematic
a closed tone hole
an open tone hole

Non-specialist introduction to acoustic impedance
Non-specialist introduction to flute acoustics


Impedance spectrum of a modern flute with a C foot measured at the embouchure hole using long fingering for A#4 and A#5. Z is plotted in dB, i.e. 20 log(Z/Pa.s.m-3).

This fingering is sometimes more convenient in rapid passages involving B, A# and other notes. Although it is technically a cross fingering, the three large open tone holes mean that the effect of the closed holes controlled by the index finger of the right hand have an effect only well above the cut-off frequency, and thus only subtle and only on high harmonics.


The Virtual Boehm Flute may suggest other fingerings for this note.
Fingering legend
How were these results obtained?
Acoustic measurements are available for these flutes -
modern B, modern C, classical C, classical D, classical flared, baroque
Sound clips are available for modern B, classical flared and baroque
To compare flutes, it is easiest to open a separate browser window for each instrument.

Copyright © Academic Press. JSV+ Joe Wolfe, John Smith, John Tann and Neville H. Fletcher, Acoustics of baroque, classical and modern flutes
Revised to include the baroque flute 2001.