Pearl Dolce 695RE flute

A closed-hole flute has keys that completely cover the tone holes. An open-hole flute has holes in the centre of some keys, which the player’s fingertips must cover to prevent air escaping. Open-hole flutes are more common at intermediate and advanced levels, but do not necessarily suit every player. They are normally supplied with plugs that can be inserted into the holes to temporarily seal them.

An offset G positions both G keys slightly out of alignment with the other keys and closer to the ring finger of the left hand. This can offer a more comfortable playing position, particularly for players with smaller hands. Many flutes have an offset G, but both offset and inline designs are well-established; the choice is down to an individual player’s preference.

High E can be an insecure note on the flute, particularly when played softly. A split E mechanism modifies the flute’s keywork so that the second G key closes automatically when the high E fingering is used, making the note more secure. It can be identified by a small arm between the second G and F-sharp keys and is a normal feature of most student and intermediate flutes.

The headjoint has a significant influence on a flute’s tone and response. The combination of its design and materials affects how easily the instrument speaks, its tonal colour, projection and dynamic range. As players develop, they often become more aware of these differences, making the headjoint an important consideration when an advancing player comes to choose a new instrument.

Flutes are made with varying levels of precious metal, ranging from silver-plated instruments through to flutes made almost entirely from solid silver, with gold and platinum used in some high-end professional instruments. As the amount of precious metal increases, so does the cost, generally reflecting a progression towards a better instrument. This progression may include a silver-plated body with a solid-silver lip plate, followed by a solid-silver headjoint, a solid-silver body tube, and eventually a flute constructed extensively or entirely from solid silver. Each step can bring differences in tonal character, response and feel, although the overall design and craftsmanship of the instrument remain important.

A standard flute is manufactured to consistently high specifications using precision production methods. A handmade flute incorporates in addition a great amount of highly skilled handwork and individual adjustment, particularly in the headjoint, tone holes and key mechanism. In practice, this can deliver a more responsive and nuanced instrument, giving the player greater control over tone, dynamics and articulation, and a more refined feel under the fingers.