G Tenor or Intermediate Bass flute (Low Quint Flute), nominal pitch: F

Caleb Gedney

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Instrument

Bass flute/Flutes/Wind/Musical Instrument ; Bass flute

Instrument Family

Wind

Maker

Caleb Gedney

Place Made

London ; Europe ; England ; United Kingdom

Date Made

1754-1769

Description

This conical bore stained boxwood instrument was made by Gedney between 1754 and 1769. It is in 4 sections with a silver key with copper spring, 4 heavy ivory ferrules and ivo The G tenor flute in F is also known as the `Intermediate Bass' or `Low Quint' flute. When prefixed to the name of an instrument (examples also exist of bassoons and trombones), ‘quint’ indicates that the instrument in question plays a fifth lower than the normal type. A flute at this pitch was particularly popular in early 18th century France, for solos and as a bass instrument in flute trios or quartets. Keys were sometimes added to aid the covering of holes, but this instrument can only be played by a flautist with large hands: its overall size is 916mm and sounding length (embouchure to foot) is 825mm. Technical description: Stained boxwood; 4 sections; silver key with copper spring; 4 heavy ivory ferrules plus ivory cap; circular embouchure-hole. Keymount type: ring; SATK. Keyhead type: flat rectangular. Repair History: Spring replaced. Performance characteristics: Range D⁴ - G⁶ (sounding G³ - C⁶). Best in range D⁴ - D⁶ (sounding G³ - G⁵). Usable pitch: Sounding A⁴ = c 415 Hz (c 414 Hz). Technical drawing available from the Friends of St Cecilia's Hall. Please see http://www.stceciliasfriends.org.uk/

Notes

E. Smith, 1987.

Measurements

916.

Provenance

Gift of G.M. Grocott.

Collection

MIMEd

Accession Number

0060

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