Picture of a flute with a b-flat key?

Question

I'm trying to sell my flute. The man at the music store offered me what I think is a reasonable price, but he said that it doesn't have a b-flat key. I thought it did. Does anyone know where I could find a picture of a flute with a b-flat key?

Answer 1

If he's talking about a Bb foot - these are very rare and of very little use. There just aren't many flutes made with a Bb foot.

If he means the previously mentioned "Bb shake" or alternate Bb key, I use mine all the time. I've never had a flute that didn't have one. I'm not so sure it'd make a difference to me if it was gone but I sometimes like that key for trills and some passages.

Other than that, he can't be talking about the Bb thumb - your must have that too. Ask him to clarify what Bb key you don't have.

Answer 2

I'm going to assume he's talking about a Bb shake key. Personally, I have never used it in 30 years of playing the flute, but I'm not an orchestral player, just serious amateur. You should check out
http://www.larrykrantz.com/graphics/keyname.gif
for a graphic titled, "Those Whatchamacallits on Your Flute." Compare the pictures to your flute to see what might be missing on your flute that he's referring to. Good luck selling your flute!

Answer 3

try this:
www.flutesite.com