short feet

Irish Flute
1

I’m curious about short feet (on flutes).
Where do they come from?

I believe the old
19th century keyed flutes that were replaced
by Boehm flutes had long feet with holes
that were key covered. These flutes were
used by Irish musicians who left the two
holes, to vent the low D, I believe. These
holes (and the long foot) have been preserved on many keyless
Irish flutes.

Well, is there an advantage (or disadvantage)
to the short foot?

Is making an in-tune flute harder with a short
foot?

Getting a strong low D?

I notice that some very good flute makers
are making such flutes. Best

2

I have short feet, and let me tell you that finding a decent pair of men’s shoes is…

Oh.

Never mind.

My ears tell me that there’s not a lot of discernible difference in the character of the bottom D either way on quality flutes. There is the notion that the extended foot improves the sonority of the bottom notes, and others dismiss this idea. I can’t tell. I prefer the extended foot; it’s a size thing. :smiley:

One reason to have the extended foot is if you plan to have low C# and Cnat keys retrofitted onto the stick in the future…