does anyone know exactly how a split E mechanism works? I`ve always played flutes without it, and I`ve never had any problems with the high E. consequently, i`ve played flutes with this feature and did not see much of a benefit.

also, what is the advantage of soldered tone holes versus drawn? is it strictly a mechanical advantage, or does it offer some advantage to the player as well?

The two G keys are normally joined together. With a split E, they are two separate keys. They are linked so that they work together when the G key is pressed down. However, there is additional linkage so that when you press the E key down, the lower G key also goes down. This reduces the `venting` for high E from two openings to one, making the note less inclined to jump to the A above or below.

ON your non-split E flute, try slurring from 2nd octave A to third octave E. Now try repeating this very quickly, many times, without a break, as is expected in "Three Little Maids From School" from The Mikado.

With a slit E it is far easier to do this cleanly. Without it, a sudden boost in `puff` is required to get that A up to E. Players Do get used to doing this, so much so that they may be no longer aware that they are doing it.

It is difficult to manufacture rolled tone holes that are perfectly level. Good manufacturers manage it on their pro-line flutes.

Soldered tone holes are more resistant to damage and distortion because they are of thicker metal. The cost more money to produce. They are easier to work on if they become damaged. This is normally pretty severe damage, such as folding th flute in half by sitting on it or falling on stairs while holding it. They CAN have a problem of the soldering parting in time, or during a jar to the body, which causes leaks and repair is difficult and costly.

If you read any claims about soldered tone holes having a better tone, then treat it with a huge degree of scepticism. Manufacturers rely heavily on the notion that players have that if a something on a flute is more expensive to make, then it will automatically make the flute play better. In order to sway the buyer into releasing more money, they tend to use pseudo-technical explanations of benefits, such as metal not suffering from the stress of the drawing process. I am one of the many `victims` of such hype, and have a soldered tone hole flute.

`Hand made` usually refers to soldered tone holes being incorporated into the construction, but possibly includes other items, usually largely cosmetic. These days, machines can make things as accurately (and often far MORE accurately) as a `hand`.