Went into a music shop the other day - it normally only stocks guitars, ukes and suchlike. But there were a couple of flutes in the window.
So took a look inside. They had a short, keyed flute, about the size of a descant recorder (£79). 6 finger holes. I asked the store owner if I could try it - sound was mellow and quiet. Couldn’t work out the key - asked him and was informed it was an Irish flute in D. Covered 3 top holes - didn’t sound right to me and I told him so. He fetched a guitar that was in tune - I covered all holes and blew - an A.
By this time the store owner had a right scowl on his face. I made my excuses and left.
Was this just a totally crap flute or would it have played in ‘D’ if I used a different fingering?
Edited - whoops - it had 6 finger holes in groups of three. Sorry.
Um. Logic, Dom? If mrcharly covered all the holes and blew an A he’d have to have blown a CP Bb instrument way flat, unless it is an antique Low Pitch example (uncommon, but out there) or a really badly made instrument. A CP Bb instrument would play an A with all fingers off/all holes open. An HP band flute nominally in Bb but near-enough to CP B would have an all-holes-covered circa B bottom note and an all holes open Bb measured in CP terms. As for quality, that will depend on what it is - if it’s a new-made and one of the Pakistani persuasion, well… but old ones vary from rubbish to excellent and there are several modern makers making good ones, though not at that price level and unlikely to be found in a common or garden high street music retailer!
