I believe people have mentioned that the Rudall Carte cylindrical-bore simple system instruments have the same bore as a Boehm system flute. Is that true? If so, what are the inner and outer diameters and what are the finger stretches like compared to a comparable conical instrument?
Yes, it is true, William. The body tube ID is the normal Böhm 19mm. I can’t tell you offhand what the OD is, but visually it’s the same as RC full Böhm system flutes with unthinned bodies. I can’t remember much about the feel of the span on the ex-Calum Stewart one Steffen is selling currently. I’m sure Steffen can supply measurements if you ask him. Or Peter Worrell would likely tell you on enquiry what the spacings are on his copies.
OK, thanks. I looked at Worrell’s website, and I think the offsets of the holes give me an idea about the stretch. I’ll contact him with questions.
C#-D# length on the cylindrical 440Hz original Rudall Carte flute I have (for sale) is 252mm, on a Prattenesque modern flute that plays in 440Hz, too, it is 247. That should give you an idea. Here is a photo with C# holes lined up. I think the stretch is about the same as on a typical tapered Rudall style flute.
Thanks, that’s very helpful! Can you tell me what the outer diameter is? And does the outside taper at all, or is it the same thickness tube throughout?
Same thickness throughout, no tapering. My caliper is in the workshop and I’m not, so this is a rough measurement, but the outside diameter seems to be about 27mm. I can supply exact measurements in a few hours, when I’m in the shop.
Thanks again.