Acoustics of baroque, classical and modern flutes

baroque flute

E6

Music Acoustics UNSW

modern B modern C classical C classical D classical flared baroque B3
D4 D#4 and Eb4 E4 F4 F#4 G4 G#4 and Ab4 A4 A#4 and Bb4 B4
C5 C#5 D5 D#5 and Eb5 E5 F5 F#5 G5 G#5 and Ab5 A5 A#5 and Bb5 B5
C6 C#6 D6 D#6 and Eb6 E6 F6 F#6 G6 no G#6 on baroque flute A6

Impedance

Acoustic and Fingering Schematic
a covered tone hole or key pressed
an uncovered tone hole or key not pressed
a partly covered hole

Details in fingering legend.

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


Impedance spectrum of a baroque flute measured at the embouchure hole using fingering for E6. Z is plotted in dB, i.e. 20 log(Z/Pa.s.m-3).

This fingering looks odd at first. It is a weakly cross fingered version of the A4 fingering, but the third minimum in A4 is actually flat. However, this cross fingering actually brings the fourth minimum down to the pitch of the third harmonic of A4. It also weakens the third minimum. It has only a weak effect on the first minimum, so this fingering will also play a note between A4 and Ab4 if blown softly. For more on cross fingerings, download a brief scientific report.

Sound


Sound spectrum of a baroque flute played using fingering for E6.

Sound Clip

You can hear E6 played by Matthew Ridley.


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.