i use c key on flute mostly on following sequence: BcB or cBc.
also, i found pretty unconfortable to use c key on sequence Bcd or dcB…
does some members from board use also c key on before mentioned sequence or you also find very unconfortable to use that c on that sequence?
marin
I almost never use the C key in the sequences Bcd or dcB in the first octave. But I almost always use the C key in the sequences bc’d’ or d’c’b in the second octave. Not sure why. I think it’s because I use the fingering OXX OOO, for the upper d (whereas for the lower D it is OXX XXX).
Let us not forget the lowly thumb hole, which is arguably quicker and more agile than the key.
A lot cheaper too.
In a different world (where multiple fingerings exist for many notes) one might choose whichever fingering they find most easy for the particular passage (with the caveat that no one is able to hear the difference).
your example is the classic playing across the break issue common to all woodwinds.
playing across the break
Will you say what this means? What’s the break?
The break between octaves. playing C to D is going across the break. The Clarinet is a tough one to get across the break on because you have to roll your top index finger from one key to another.
Benny Goodman knew that 
I never use the key of C (and even the long F key )
He was absolutely brilliant. I listened to his recordings for hours on end when I was but a lad in high school stage band.
-Kirk
He squeaked across the break on the intro of Rhapsody In Blue
what I can’t seem to find a video of his playing
Yep, I know what you’re referring to 
Bugger that a vid isn’t out there.
Kirk
lot’a other people that didn’t squeak!
Such is life. Did Yehudi Menuhin ever bust a string? Does Ruby Begonia ring a bell… or use the C key on a flute? (Hey I’m trying hard to steer this thing back on course.) 
okay, we’re libel ta end up with Jim’s thumb in the hole again…
Well, the thumb hole is very quick, very agile, it uses a minimal movement
and it doesn’t leave the rt hand out of position as it often is after
using the C natural key. So if one uses that key and then must play
a low E or D, the hand is a bit far to the left and returning
it at speed is less easy. Not so with the hole. The rt hand stays
put and only the left thumb moves.
Also a thumb hole costs about 30 dollars and can be retrofitted
on any keyless flute very quickly.
Not that I like it or anything…
Jim,
I’ve never used a C hole so I can’t say that the key is better, although I do love that c key in certain situations. But if you have the hole, how do you ever use the Bb key? It seems to be you can’t unless you get a right hand touch for it.
Thanks, good question. I use the C natural thumbhole chiefly on keyless flutes. I find that a keyless flute
with a thumbhole is about all I need, as I can half-hole or cross finger whatever by now.
The Bb is so easily half-holed for me, by coming down with the ball of L2 on the downside edge of the B hole,
that it’s about as good as the Bb key. Also I can shade the note, wail on the note. If I needed a key I guess I’d go for
a rt hand touch. Except for the C natural key, keys are better, but not much.
It’s kind of liberating, cause I just don’t need keys and that sure saves money.
Usually the only key I used was C natural, anyhow.
I got Mr McGee to make a RH Bflat for me so that I can use it together with the thumb hole…
I use every single one of my 8 keys every single day. If mine was a keyless flute I probably wouldn’t use any of them.
yeah, me too!