I’m looking to order a 6-key flute from Martin Doyle. In addition to the other keys, it will have an Eb key on it. Martin’s flute bodies are usually one piece. He can make this 6-key flute either as a one-piece body, or put in a short foot piece on it, with the joint just above the Eb key. Beside the ergonomic adjustment option, is there any other advantage to having this joint in the body? I’ll be playing mostly IRTRAD and desire a strong bottom D. I have a keyless Doyle without this joint (a one-piece body) and it is a cannon. I love it (thank you Eilam). For those of you more experienced with owning various flutes, do you think the tone would suffer from breaking the one-piece body just above the Eb key and having a foot there?
I would check with Martin. On his web site, he says, “Please note: six key flutes (or any flute needing an E-flat key) require a foot joint which will cost an additional € 150.00.” he also has pictures of his 6 key flutes with and without the added joint. He must have a good reason for wanting to add the bottom joint, but I am not clear whether that’s a tonal issue or something to do with adding a block to support the Eb key.
I am a very happy owner of a Doyle Celtic and of a standard Doyle with 6 keys added by Maurice Reviol. Neither has an added foot joint, and both are capable of playing as loudly as I have any need for and producing a substantial low D. Maurice’s keys are post mounted, and I got the link to him through a suggestion on Martin’s site. An extra joint would allow you to turn the Eb key away when you don’t need it, giving a bit more pinky room, which some players seem to like. It hasn’t been an issue for me.
Doyle does make lovely and responsive flutes. If you do ask him, please share his comments about the foot joint.
I have submitted that question to Martin. I’ll share what he suggests. Thanks for the feedback.