TYPES OF FLUTE

Types of Flute in the flute family

 

There are many types of flute and some are not listed here, such as Bansuri and Irish Flutes. But the main categories are listed below.

FAQ:

 

What orchestral family does the flute belong to?

The flute belongs to the woodwind family and is joined by many other woodwind instruments including the clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone.

How is a flute played?

The flute is played by blowing a focused stream of air across a mouth hole (embouchure). The fingers are then used to close holes along the body which in turn produces the different notes. It is mainly a transverse instrument i.e. it is held horizontally across the body.

Do all flutes have keys?

No, some flutes (such as very early flutes and some folk/Celtic flutes) do not have keys. They have holes, strategically placed down the flute. The distance of the holes is important to the ‘scale’ of the flute being accurate.

Do all flutes have lip plates?

No, many wooden flutes (especially early models) do not have lip plates. They have an embouchure hole only to blow across.

Why do some flutes have open holes?

Open holed flutes with keys require the player to cover the hole in the centre of the key and depress it to achieve the note. Open holes allow a brighter overall sound as there is more space for the sound to travel out of the flute. They also give the opportunity for more advance techniques such as playing quarter notes (by partial covering) or bending notes. The other advantage of open holes is to correct hand positioning in students and to ensure that their fingers are centered on the keys.

Are there different sizes of flutes?

Yes, there are many different flute sizes, but the main ones are:

 

PICCOLO

The smallest of the type of flute in the family and plays one octave above the standard C flute. Originally these were in Db and have a long history, especially with the military and marching bands. For used piccolos for sale, visit London Flutes HERE

CONCERT FLUTE

The C flute or ‘Concert flute’ is the most commonly known type of flute in the family. It mainly plays from middle C and has a three octave range. Sometimes the addition of a B footjoint can lower the range and allow a low B to be played. For current used flutes for sale with London Flutes, visit HERE

ALTO FLUTE

The alto flute is lower in pitch than the C flute and actually plays a fourth lower. It is larger and so has the option of being played with a straight or curved headjoint. For used ALTO flutes for sale visit London Flutes – HERE

BASS FLUTE

Larger than the alto, the bass flute plays an octave lower than the standard C flute. It measures around 57 inches and is played with a curved or ‘J’ headjoint only due to its size.

For used BASS flutes for sale visit London Flutes – HERE

CONTRABASS FLUTE

Played vertically with a curved horizontally played headjoint, the contra-bass flute is pitched two octaves lower than the C flute. Mainly played in flute bands it is not a commonly seen instrument. Here is an example of the contrabass being played with the legendary Eva Kingma – HERE

HYPERBASS FLUTE

Also known as the subcontrabass flute. Very rarely seen, this flute is the largest flute with over 15ft of tubing. It plays a fourth lower than the Contrabass flute. HERE Stefan Keller demonstrates the subcontrabass or Hyperbass flute.