Acoustics of baroque, classical and modern flutes |
modern flute
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G6 |
Fingering Acoustic schematic Non-specialist introduction
to acoustic impedance |
This fingering is comparable to that for G4 except for the use of the thumb 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 G6 but not G4, G5, or D6. Comparing this with the G4 impedance spectrum, we see that the fourth minimum is little changed. The third is shallower and unplayable. The first minimum plays ~C5 and the second ~B5 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 fingering for G6.
You can hear G6 played by Geoffrey Collins.
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 |
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