Optimal cork position?

Irish Flute
1

Here’s something I’ve always wanted to know but have been afraid to ask.

How does one determing the optimal cork position for a simple-system flute? Other than by trial-and-error . . . maybe I already know the answer, and there’s just no simple way about it.

I ask because I was having trouble with my low-Bb flute (Grinter), or rather, its internal tuning, until I fiddled with the cork. Now the tuning is fine. But I wonder if I did it right, or if there is a right. Basically, I tried to find the best slide position for a warm flute, and then moved the cork until I was happy with the intonation.

Is that how you do it?

Stuart

2

Hi,
check out Terry McGee’s website, http://www.mcgee-flutes.com and look for the page entitled “Effects of Stopper Position” There’s a lot of information, should give you plenty of scope for experimentation :wink:

Cheers, Mac

3

Cool! Thanks.

Now Terry, or others, do you know the nominal stopper position for a conical B-flat (Rudall design) flute?

Stuart