Flute feet and pitch

Basics of Flute Playing, Tone Production and Fingerings

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paultandberg
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 6:41 pm

Flute feet and pitch

Post by paultandberg »

A flute with a C foot is an instrument pitched at C (see a C, play a C, hear a C)

Is a flute with B foot attached still pitched at C (with the only difference being the ability to play down to a B rather than a C, and with a darker tone while doing so... perhaps)?

Or is a flute with a B foot attached a B pitched instrument (see a C, play a C, hear a B)?

I was sure it was the former, but an acquaintance is trying to tell me it is the later. (which makes no sense. why go with a B, why not a Bb so you could at least play with a standard issue Bb trumpet)

Thanks,

Paul

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pied_piper
Posts: 1962
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 1:31 pm
Location: Virginia

Re: Flute feet and pitch

Post by pied_piper »

The concert flute is a C instrument - see a C, play a C, hear a C. It doesn't matter whether it has a C foot or a B foot. The B foot is about an 1 1/2" longer and has an extra key which allows the flute to play a half step lower to B.
"Never give a flute player a screwdriver."
--anonymous--

paultandberg
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 6:41 pm

Re: Flute feet and pitch

Post by paultandberg »

Thanks, Pied

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