modern flute
B foot
A4
| Acoustics of baroque, classical and modern flutes |
modern flute
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A4 |
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Fingering Acoustic schematic Non-specialist introduction
to acoustic impedance |
The flutist uses the same fingering for A4 and A5, but changes the speed, length and shape of the jet. The first four minima can be played. These minima support harmonics in A4. In A5, only the second and fourth minima are important.
Sound spectrum
of a modern flute with a B foot played using conventional
fingering for A4.
You can hear A4
played with conventional fingering
by Geoffrey Collins.
Alternative Fingering |
modern flute B foot |
|
Fingering Acoustic schematic Non-specialist introduction
to acoustic impedance |
This alternative fingering was listed only to show that quite subtle effects (closing a hole downstream of six open holes) introduces noticeable effects to the impedance spectrum above 2 kHz. It makes little difference to the sound (the small differences between the spectra are due to other variables introduced by measuring a human player in musically comfortable conditions).
Sound spectrum of a modern flute with a B foot played using alternative
fingering for A4.
You can hear A4
played with alternative fingering
by Geoffrey Collins.
Diffuse Fingering |
modern flute B foot |
Impedance spectrum of a modern flute with a B foot measured at the embouchure
hole using diffuse fingering for A4.
This fingering has a reasonably strong impedance minimum for A4, but it is not well supported by minima at harmonics of this fundamental. The result is a soft 'covered' timbre. The fingering may be considered as that for A#4, but with very considerable cross fingering, which both lowers the pitch and detunes the higher resonances.
Sound spectrum of a modern flute with a B foot played using diffuse fingering
for A4.
You can hear A4 played with diffuse fingering by Geoffrey Collins.
may suggest other fingerings for this note.| 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. |
a key depressed
a key not depressed
a part of the mechanism that is not normally touched 
a closed tone hole
an open tone hole