Acoustics of baroque, classical and modern flutes

classical flute
flared foot

B5
Music Acoustics UNSW

modern B modern C classical C classical D classical flared baroque B3
D4 E4 F4 F#4 G4 A4 B4
C5 C#5 D5 E5 F5 F#5 G5 A5 B5
C6 C#6 D6 E6 F#6 G6 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 classical flute with a flared foot measured at the embouchure hole using fingering for B4 and B5. Z is plotted in dB, i.e. 20 log(Z/Pa.s.m-3).

From E4 to B4 and E5 to B5, each standard fingering serves for two notes. The flutist uses the same fingering for B4 and B5, but changes the speed, length and shape of the jet.

Sound


Sound spectrum of a classical flute with a flared foot played using fingering for B5.

Sound Clip

You can hear B5 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.