All,
Hello. I'm interested in getting a flute for casually paced self study.

I have read a great deal about various brands and such but find no information on why one would want a particular foot.

Can some kind soul tell me why one would want a C or B or any particular foot? Why wouldn't everyone want all feet for his or her own flute?

Is there a need to transpose when reading music if you have a different foot installed?

Thanks much!

Well, it depends. On the older flutes, a B foot tended to add a bit of darkness, but would add a little resistance making the 3rd octave more difficult. On most modern flutes, there is very little difference sound wise. The main advantage is that if you ever run into a piece with a low B (I believe there are about 70-80 pieces with a low B), you are able to play it. Most of the time, the B key is unused. The B foot will add a bit of weight, so if you have arm problems , a C foot might be better. The foot B foot will let you play anything a C or D foot will, so if you have one, you don't need separate C or D footjoints. There is no need to transpose, as the foot merely extends the range of the instrument downwards, but does not change what key it plays in.

Thank you, '06!

Now I know everything! j/k :P

But I do know enough to go out there and find my flute now.

No problem! Good luck, and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Lol! Yes, this forum should be re named "Ask Chris." He amazes me in how he knows!

<Added>

Oops.. I mean to say "He amazes me in ALL that he knows!"

Why thank you Kate! I enjoy helping people, and sharing what knowledge I have!