I’m on record here several times as being a big fan of the eight-keyed flute. I’m forever turning up tunes, some of which I’ve played for years, that just cry out for a well-placed low C# or C. Slow airs can be moved around the flute to new keys, with lovely results. Additionally, having a C to blow anytime one likes is great training for blowing good D’s; after a few sustained C’s, D seems like a breeze! And, let’s face it: those keys just look cool down there. Like a piper with shiny regs that never get touched, at least we seem fully dressed when we go out.
Sadly, it’s a complicated bit of kit that doesn’t always work like it should. The springs dig holes where they touch down, producing critching and hanging up. The blocks wear, introducing alignment problems. Pewter plugs corrode and wind up pitted and scarred, and the result is the same: bad seal, so no note or and out of tune one. I wonder how many folks have been put off the eight-key flute by an encounter with a flute that, while healthy looking, had some little problem which guaranteed unsatisfactory function? All it takes is a tiny disturbance in the alignment of the various parts; the plug doesn’t seat home, nothing comes out despite your best effort, and the next thing you know you’ve nearly sworn off the infernal contraptions for good (and you’re looking for a place to dicreetly dispose of a double fistful of your own hair).
I’ve dealt with all of these issues in getting my own eight-key flutes to sound properly down there, and to actuate with no hesitation. A slip of watch spring serves nicely as a bearing surface for the springs; blocks can be shimmed and touches/plug holders bent to restore proper alignment; plugs generally have to be replaced if corroded but there are a few folks doing that these days. I have two eight-keys that I play regularly, one of which has always performed perfectly and has never needed any assistance. The other one, my poor mistreated Wylde, has been substantially worked on by no fewer than 5 master repairmen: David Strauch (Eb pad and pin, C# pin), Tom Aebi (X-large C pin), Aran Olwell (new ring, replaced bottom 1+" of footjoint which had been sawn off!), Chris Wilkes (new plugs, restored touches to original profile, new springs), and yes, yours truly (shellac-sealed plates, shimmed blocks, repaired sheared-off C# block, etc.). Did I say 5 master repairmen? Rougly 5…
That “etc.” is significant. Even after everyone else had had their way with the footjoint, I still spent hours pr*cking around with the damn thing until it worked flawlessly. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I had a perfect example to compare it to, so I ended up shimming blocks, bending plug holders, tweaking springs, etc., until it was pretty much the equal of the other. At times it would seem to be perfect, then a day later all was lost, usually as a result of some lateral play in the plug holders as pointed up by inconsistent pinkie placement from day to day by myself. I’m delighted with the results, but I wonder what someone would do who didn’t have access to the best minds in the flute trade like I was fortunate enough to.
If there’s a point to all of this, it would have to be that sometimes, when that low C just doesn’t sparkle like it should, it isn’t your fault. That’s a hellishly complex and sensitive mechanism down there; Chris Wilkes told me it’s pretty much half of the effort of making a fully-keyed flute to manufacture and fettle the footjoint. So if you’re not getting along with yours, have it looked at by someone who knows how they are supposed to work.
As an addendum, there’s one thing every eight-key player should be aware of. I know it’s been mentioned here many times before, but it bears repeating; I myself had forgotten this bit of sage advice: put a drop of 3-in-1 or other household oil on your plugs from time to time. I don’t care how well your C foot is working - this will make the seal more definite, more immediate. As I said, both of my flutes work very well in general, as well or better than nearly every flute, new or antique, that I’ve ever tried (and I’ve been to Andrew’s house…). That said, the oil is a noticeable improvement. Try it! Best of luck,
Rob
