Hello.
I want to add one or several keys on my keyless in D. I can use simple keys from a broken old clarinet (metal screwed posts). I can very precise work, that’s not the problem.
Question 1: where can I find good litterature or web links about descriptions to mount exactly extra holes with positions and diameters to drill?
Question 2: what are the extra notes you can get (in order)?
To be honest, I would really NOT recommend you to tinker around with your flute. Better send it to a trained woodwind maker. It’s more expensive, but what you get will work actually. Adding keys isn’t just drilling some holes and putting a key onto it. You have to know your flute and it’s specifications.
Regarding Q2: There are no “valid” arrangements. Check Terry McGee’s info page about keys for more information about common keys. In general, you use keys to get Eb, Fnat, G#, Bb and Cnat, and, on “long foot” flutes, low C# and Cnat.
Thanks for addresses. Now I have to work it out with my next holidays… in Bretagne (think positive!). In the meantime I’ll ask them about prices and wait but the pleasure to make it by yourself to improve your instrument is gone…
I feel for you. I made my first flute by myself (under guidance from Andreas Rogge), and the feeling to play something you crafted with your own hands is great. But just imagine what might happen if you don’t have the exact specifications: a note might be too sharp or too flat, the volume of the keyed notes might be different from the rest, giving you weak notes. Your flute might crack if you don’t have the correct drilling bits. And so on…really, letting a trained person do that job should be the best. But feel free to make your own flute which you can fit with keys. It’s possible to do it. The most difficult part is drilling the bore and reaming it…the rest is easy.
Edit: There are also makers outside of France who can easily add keys to your flute. Check this and this thread for information.
Ok, now I can read good arguments. Well I’m back to my potential first feeling: too risky! Except if I train making self a pvc 6-holes flute (with standard pipe) and then test further with one key for exemple, to feel how it works with acoustics. If it’s so dreadful, never mind, material is cheap enough…
I, however, have an ebay flute originally costing about 40 euros (partially in splinters…) which has already been hacked around a lot by me. It’s a noname ebony flute with four post mounted keys and extensively trimmed holes and foot to bring it into tune. I’ve also added a C natural thumb hole and I’d like to turn the Bflat key round, so that it is a right hand touch (as one of the alternatives on a Boehm flute). I would be sticking to the same hole as the key currently uses, so no acoustic change is involved.
The key is there, I can work out the position and orientation of the holes, the question is, what drill bits and taps do you use to drill and tap mounting holes for post mount keys? And do you have a source for them in Germany or Britain? Also, do you have any good tips about getting the depth of the hole just right?
