Which flute keys are the best keys?

[fintano]

If you're really trying to minimize the number of keys, my opinion is to skip Bb. On the flutes I have, cross-fingering Bb works pretty well.

I would say F, D# and G# are the most useful. Not specifically for Irish music, but just in general.

Long F is good specifically when you have to go FDF. Otherwise short F is okay.

So if you are in the situation when you are counting up the simoleons to see if you can afford your dream flute, the former are my recommendations.

If you have the scratch to get the 6-key version, go for it. It will be easier to sell when your grandchildren are trying to empty out your home.

Low C and C# can be cool. But flutemakers say those are the keys that require the most maintenance. The reason why 6-key flutes are so common.

[pancelticpiper]

Resale value. A 6 key flute will be easier to sell in many cases than one with 4 or less keys, since those who only “need” 3-4 keys will often be willing to buy a used 6 key flute, but someone who wants or needs a 6 key flute is unlikely to purchase a flute with 4 keys or less.

That makes total sense, though it never would have occurred to me.

I don't think once in my life I've bought an instrument, or a car for that matter, with resale in my mind.

I do think far more people like to play other genres of music with their simple system flutes than the hardcore ITM crowd talks about.

For sure my own fluteplaying was all done on mid-19th century London-made 8-key orchestral flutes and I played for years in a dance band that did Bulgarian, Macedonian, and Israeli folk dance music. Yes I used every one of the 8 keys.

But if I was starting over today, unless I came across a more-affordable used 6-key, and I had to buy a new bespoke flute, I'd order a 3-key simply for cost.