Acoustics of baroque, classical and modern flutes

classical flute
flared foot

A4

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 classical flute with a flared foot measured at the embouchure hole using fingering for A4 and A5. Z is plotted in dB, i.e. 20 log(Z/Pa.s.m^-3).

Sound

Sound spectrum of a classical flute with a flared foot played using fingering for A4.

Sound Clip

You can hear A4 played by Geoffrey Collins.

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.