Shape of D flute

Irish Flute
1

Hello,
I am new here from Canada.
Played guitar for a long long time, Highland Pipes for over twenty years and tin whistle for as long.
Interested in the flute.
I have noticed just lurking on makers site that some D flutes are uniform in width and that many have a wider short bulb section between the bottom of the embouchure and the top note hole.
What is the difference? I will have many questions.
Ronald

2

First, take a look at Terry McGee’s website. Terry has amassed a large amount of information concerning the wooden flute. Start with the anatomy and nomenclature page here: http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/irishflute.html.

The short answer is that it is a decision by a maker which balances structurual issues with design/style concerns. Take a look here for more detailed anatomy: http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/fluteslide.html

We’re talking about the barrel section on a flute with a tuning slide. Of course some flutes do not have the tuning slide so then it is just the bottom of the head joint that can be bulbous. The short bulb, as you describe it, provides extra material and reinforces the joint where there can be a possibility of cracking from things like assembling and disassembling the flute. Some makers will use that area to provide a little artistic flourish by turning an interesting flair. Now you’ve also noticed that some makers do not show that aesthetic swelling in their designs. They could be using internal design features to lessen the possibility of cracks, they’ve taken steps to assure that their wood won’t crack or just like the slick look. Of course some flutes are made from polymers which are strong enough to not need the extra material.

Feadoggie

3

The outside is meaningless. It’s mainly the inside details that you can’t see that matter.
The bore profile, the undercutting of tone holes and embouchure. You can’t learn
anything by looking anyhow. It’s how it plays and who made it. The latter is especially
important if you aren’t much of a player yourself. However because people in this
community are so polite, it’s hard to find out which makers to avoid and which ones
are the “hidden treasures”. Private correspondence can be illuminating.

4

Thank You to all
of you for your replies.
Ronald