OK, here’s a thought inspired by the block-vs.-post mounting thread, more of a question, really:
What are the difficulties posed in having a flute retrofitted with keys? Post mounting would of course be one way to go as blocks are out of the question. More to the point, let’s say that I had a keyless flute from a maker who otherwise only does block mounting for keywork, and let’s say that I wanted to have keys retrofitted to it as an afterthought. Obviously another crafts(wo)man would be doing the work.
I wonder about the problems in achieving good intonation when retrofitting keys to a flute not of one’s own make, professional jealousies aside (or not).
Personally, I’d contact the maker of your flute and see what they think. All of the makers I’ve talked with or emailed with have been a remarkably friendly lot, so they might have a cohort who they think would do a good job for you.
That’s why I’m posting the question. No guinea pig, me! Were I really intending such a move, I’d be doing just that already. This is more in hopes of hearing from makers or other knowledgeable people concerning what, in all honesty, is a purely hypothetical situation that came to mind as I read the other thread. I found it an interesting question, and so here it is, and my greater question was, again, more about intonation issues in tarting up someone else’s instrument (hole placement, chimney, calculations, etc.). I’m hoping for specifics, if possible, and all in the spirit of greater knowlege for one and all. I see no reason not to discuss this. Pads are a start, and thank you. Any others?
As I said earlier: not that I’d do such a thing (winking smilie or no).
The short answer is, it can be done, by someone with the skills, tooling and knowledge - either post or block mounts (believe it or not) can be added after the fact, however results can vary, and the costs can be high.
The long answer, well, I don’t have the time delve into it here. But it can be done.
I’ve been pondering that anent the Murray. In a recent lesson John S. said it could be done no problem, he knows a guy in the Midwest, etc., but that’s as far as the conversation went.
It’s such a great flute, it’s kind of a Catch-22 – with keys, and if they work out, I almost can’t imagine ever wanting another.
But if it doesn’t work out do I lose a great flute?
I think a band-aid would look really cool on blackwood.
what about Bloodwood? Man! thats ingenious, like my idea of Oliander flutes with lead keys :adminno:
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