Flute Bore and Length

[Ken]

Being new at flutemaking, I have a question. In most books that I have
read, the ratio of the bore length to its diameter is a ratio of
approximately 18 to one. So the smaller the diameter of the bore, the
shorter its length. This makes sense to me.

But I have also seen examples where the diameter of the bore remains
the same while the length of it changes to change the key of the flute.
I have a diagram from the Yahoo Group that shows the key going from F,
F#, G, G#, A with a one inch bore and the length of the bore changing
to change the key.

Which is best and Why?

Thanks,
Ken

[greatwave]

Ken, the 18x bore ratio is a good all around flute that shouldn't jump
octaves too easily and it will still have a rich tone. As the bore get
"short and fat", the fingerholes get larger or need to move up the bore
as a group to stay small enough. As a flute get "long and skinny" the
fingerholes get smaller. The flute will have a rich fundemental but a
weaker second note unless the fingerholes get spread out. Many
flutmakers do this but I find it difficult to make the spread with my
hands. A long skinny flute will also have a tendancy to jump octaves
easily, which again is a perference of many. I find it is frustrating
for beginners. There are no "best", just perferences and performance
issues.

[realaxxin]

If you wanted to use an "optimum" ratio for every flute/every key,
you'd probably end up making a lot of oval bore flutes. In my opinion
(and I bet for most people) a circular bore is more appealing to look
at. So many use those ratios as a guideline, and pick a round bore that
is close. Don't get too hung up on the math just starting out.

[Ken]

Thanks for the information. Things are starting to make a little more
sense.

Ken