I’ve been spending more time getting to know my new (to me) Christman flute, and I’m finding it a charming instrument. Small holes (hole #5 measures about 8mm) and a small bore make for a sweet sound; it’s nice in the evening when I don’t want to shake the rafters with my Copley. (Photo here: https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/holiday-acquisitions/79691/44)
I’m wondering about the pitch this instrument was intended for. With the slide very slightly pulled out, the flute can play at A 440, but intonation is very uneven. Pull the slide out about an inch, and the flute plays at A 430 with excellent intonation across the scale (confirmed by RTTA). The C# to Eb length of 263mm would support that pitch, according to Terry’s chart (http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/CsharpEb.htm), but does it seem strange that the slide has to be pulled out that much for the flute to play at its optimized pitch? Any thoughts? (Also, Terry’s chart mainly lists English flutes, but the Christman is American. Does that matter?)
I’m also curious if anyone knows about 19th century pitch standards in America. Did English or Continental pitch conventions have any influence? The flute was made in New York sometime between 1837 and 1854. Would A 430 be expected in the U.S. for that period?
Not much info on the early pitch in the United States at this time. In the 1860’s some used the tuning 435htz, but the majority used a tuning 452- 455htz. I am still on the fence as far as using Terry’s chart for small holed flutes, I think the tone holes have a influence in the tuning, besides the length of the bore.
My Christman flute is earlier, and lower pitched.