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Modern flutes are actually made in several different sizes. The one with which we are most familiar is the soprano or concert flute. It is the most commonly used flute because it is the most versatile and sounds the best. The other sized flutes,(see chart beside) however, are useful for special purposes. Cheap flutes only have a silver layer and are not made entirely out of silver. Flutes can also be made of wood, silver, gold or platinum. You may see flutes of mixed materials. Flutes can be made with closed keys or open keys (also known as French keys). Some flutes have a b foot which makes it possible for you to play a low b.
The Bass~ This flute starts one more half octave below the alto, on C. It is so long that the head joint has to be curved a full 180 degrees. This is to allow the flutist to reach the mouth hole. Its tone is extremely deep, and even more breath is required than on the alto.
The Alto flute~ It is wider and longer and it starts on G. This flute has a tone that is very rich and mellow. Because of the larger volume of air, it requires more breath and is slower to respond.
The F-flat flute~ Is a slightly smaller version of the soprano. Mainly used is for children whose hands are not yet large enough for a standard flute.
The Piccolo~ Is a small flute with a high, shrill tone. Most piccolos are made in the key of C, they play one octave higher than the concert flute. There are two major models of the piccolo: the metal cylindrical-bore model, which is easier to blow and has more stable intonation; and the wooden, conical-bore model, which is less shrill. Various combinations are also available. Playing the piccolo requires a very tight holding of the lips, and a careful attention to intonation. You will find it difficult to switch between piccolo and a flute unless you regularly devote time to each.
To Find out more about all these Flutes click here. or here
The Bass~ This flute starts one more half octave below the alto, on C. It is so long that the head joint has to be curved a full 180 degrees. This is to allow the flutist to reach the mouth hole. Its tone is extremely deep, and even more breath is required than on the alto.
The Alto flute~ It is wider and longer and it starts on G. This flute has a tone that is very rich and mellow. Because of the larger volume of air, it requires more breath and is slower to respond.
The F-flat flute~ Is a slightly smaller version of the soprano. Mainly used is for children whose hands are not yet large enough for a standard flute.
The Piccolo~ Is a small flute with a high, shrill tone. Most piccolos are made in the key of C, they play one octave higher than the concert flute. There are two major models of the piccolo: the metal cylindrical-bore model, which is easier to blow and has more stable intonation; and the wooden, conical-bore model, which is less shrill. Various combinations are also available. Playing the piccolo requires a very tight holding of the lips, and a careful attention to intonation. You will find it difficult to switch between piccolo and a flute unless you regularly devote time to each.
To Find out more about all these Flutes click here. or here
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Contabass Flute: is a very rare flute used mostly in flute ensembles. It is pitched two octaves lower than an actual Flute. To find out more click here.
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Subcontrabass Flute: Is one of the largest flutes made. It is 15 feet tall.
The subcontrabass flute is rarely used outside of a flute ensembles. It is sometimes called the "gentle giant" of the flute family because of its gentle sound. To Find out more click here.
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Double Contrabass Flute: It is over 18 feet tall and is one of the lowest pitched flutes in the world. It is two octaves below the bass flute. To fing out more click here.
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Hyperbass Flute: is one of the lowest sounding flutes. It reaches over 15 meters in length and is three octaves lower than the bass flute. To find out more click here.
Super Mario theme song played on ancient chinese flute