Acoustics of baroque, classical and modern flutes

baroque flute

F#6
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 F#6. Z is plotted in dB, i.e. 20 log(Z/Pa.s.m-3).

This fingering is a weakly cross fingered version of the A4 fingering: it resembles a little that for E6 and F6. This cross fingering brings the fifth minimum of A4 down to (near) the pitch of the F#6. (We are well beyond the harmonic regime in the impedance curve.) Compared with that for F6, this minimum is deep and the note is clear and readily played.

Sound


Sound spectrum of a baroque flute played using fingering for F#6.

Sound Clip

You can hear F#6 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.