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This excellent instrument was made for me by Mark Hoza. It is made from Cooktown Ironwood with Silver rings and has a Brass tuning slide. As well as being good to look at it is a beautiful instrument to hold and play. It is extremely agile. Jumping around from one octave to another is easy. I think this is due to the overcutting that is done on the blown edge (pictures 1 & 2). The offsetting of the holes brings the holes into the arc formed by the fingertips (or the middle joint of your finger, if you play flat-fingered)(3), There is a lip recess on the player's side that makes it easier to get 'in under' the blown edge (4). The G and D holes are drilled at an angle (5 & 7), making it less of a stretch between the middle two fingers of each hand. I have long fingers so it doesn't bother me much, but many players with smaller hands find the stretch a problem. There is a C natural hole on the back of the middle joint (8) which is operated by lifting the LH thumb, so one has the effect of a C key without the keywork.
The whole flute is slim and well-balanced (6). It plays better than I do so I have to something to aim for!! Even though I have a keyed instrument being made (by Mark) I think this delightful, simple instrument and I will be friends for a long time.
