A few years ago someone told me that they played a 10 keyed flute. I’ve seen an old Pratten with an alternative Bb key , thus giving 9 keys in all, does anyone know what the tenth key is for?
I believe flutes were made with up to 13 keys. Some of the additional keys were trill keys to aid difficult passages. Also some flutes have a low-B foot available similar to the modern orchestral flute, with a third touch for the left hand pinkie to actuate the low B.
Best,
–James
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