modern flute
B foot
D#6
| Acoustics of baroque, classical and modern flutes |
modern flute
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D#6 |
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Fingering Acoustic schematic Non-specialist introduction
to acoustic impedance |
This fingering is comparable to that for D#4 except for the use of the G# key as a register hole. This creates a pressure node (or flow antinode) about three quarters of the way along the pipe, and thus allows D#6 but not D#4, D#5, or A#5. Comparing this with the D#4 impedance spectrum, we see that the fourth minimum is little changed. The third is shallower and unplayable. The first minimum plays ~G#4 and the second ~G5 but, because it is a cross fingering for these notes, their timbres are darker. Combinations of these three notes may be played simultaneously as multiphonics.
Sound spectrum
of a modern flute with a B foot played using conventional
fingering for D#6.
You can hear D#6
played with conventional fingering
by Geoffrey Collins.
Alternative Fingering |
modern flute B foot |
|
Fingering Acoustic schematic Non-specialist introduction
to acoustic impedance |
This fingering, used in trills, is comparable to that for G#4 except for the open register hole. This creates a pressure node (or flow antinode) about two thirds of the way along the pipe, and thus allows D#6 but not G#4 or G#5. Comparing this with the D#4 impedance spectrum, we see that the third minimum is little changed. The second is shallower and unplayable. The first minimum plays C5 but, because it is a cross fingering for this note, its timbre is darker. Both C5 & D#6 may be played simultaneously as a multiphonic.
Sound spectrum of a modern flute with a B foot played using alternative
fingering for D#6.
You can hear D#6
played with alternative fingering
by Geoffrey Collins.
Alternative Fingering II |
modern flute B foot |
 |
Fingering Acoustic schematic Non-specialist introduction
to acoustic impedance |
Impedance spectrum of a modern flute with a B foot measured at the embouchure hole using alternative fingering for D#6.
This fingering also plays the multiphonic C5, C6 & D#6.
Sound spectrum of a modern flute with a B foot played using alternative fingering
for D#6.
You can hear D#6 played with alternative 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