I went to fluteworld.com to check out some prices and things of the very classy brands. I was reading about Powells and I came across something that severely confused me. One Powell that was I think $9,950 said it was a french model and another that was like around $12,000 said it was open hole. I thought that open hole and french model were synonomous. Maybe it`s just that they used different terms that meant the same things to describe the flutes or maybe I`m just a bit mixed up. Most likely the latter. Please enlighten me.

Also, what does it mean for a flute to have "pointed key arms?"

Thank you.

The French are known for their pointy arms and their open holes.

Oh Piko! That`s a funny one!!!! Thanks for the laugh!.......I`m still chuckling...

You can find out what all the features are on the flute including pointed key arms by looking up a page on flute world.
1. Go to www.fluteworld.com
2. Click on the blue botton that says SITE MAP on the left of the page.
3. click on GLOSSARY OF FLUTE FEATURES under musical information.

Hope that helps.

Ugh!! Sorry, I have no idea why the whole thing posted in bold. I hope it isn`t too hard to read.

Oh yes, I also forgot to mention that french is also another term used for open hole.

Ah! I missed something.

The French Hole style is where the open hole key is completely flat rather than the hole flaring up from the key cup.

Does anyone find any advantage to non-flared holes? I find that the flared holes are the only thing that I find attractive in an open-hole flute. The center is raised closer to your fingers and you can play with a lighter touch with a better seal.

Here are some pics of what I`m talking about.

Example:
Flat Open Hole Flute only has ridges for feel.
http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/manchaca/644/flute2.jpg

Flared Open Hole Flute with centers raised.
http://images.andale.com/f2/121/104/7752950/1055615824437_Gemeinhardt_3shb_2.jpg

I find that the raised ring around the Gemeinhardt flute open hole keys to be a good training tool for younger players but of no real advantage in sealing the holes once the player has found the proper place to put their fingers. This one feature is not in itself a good reason to choose the brand. Other considerations must be taken into account as well.

Not sure, but do any other makers besides Gemeinhardt have this feature?

~Bilbo

I didn`t think the flared key holes were unique to Gemeinhardt flutes and I think only their 3 series has them. The pics I linked to were the first ones that popped up when searching google for open hole flute pics.

I have played on a muramatsu and I have no problems playing on the flat vs raised open hole, but it doesn`t feel the same. It feels like like a closed hole flute to me, that deep concave feel.

I would hate to think that no other flute maker raises their key centers. I have played an Italian close hole flute that had raised key centers and my next flute will probably be closed hole with raised centers even if it must be custom. It is very very comfortable feel... The difference is like playing a digital piano rather than a grand.