B Foot or C Foot?

We recently came across a Powell Aurumite Conservatory flute in the testing room, and something seemed a bit different...  The footjoint seemed a bit "shorter" and seemed to be missing a tone hole.  Was this a mistake?  Of course not!  It was simply a C Foot flute.  With Powell Flutes, every model is available as either B Foot or C foot.  This includes, Signature, Conservatory, and Custom models.  In fact, there is an option to buy an additional foot for the custom flutes.  So, for example, if you were to by a Custom with a C foot, you could purchase an additional B foot as well.  Powell Sonaré flutes are available as B foot or C foot models, which are actually identified by the first letter of the model.  You can see a listing of these models on the Powell Sonaré page of the Powell website.  You will notice codes for various model numbers.  If the code begins with a C, it's a C foot -- if it begins with a B, it's a B foot.  Examples would be CGF and BGF.  A CGF would have a C foot, inline G, and French cups.  The BGF would have a B foot, inline G, and French cups.

So, what exactly are the differences between a C foot flute and a B foot?  Well, the C foot, as you can see in the photos, has a range that extends down to C.  With this range, there are only two tone holes on the footjoint, no B key, and no gizmo key.  A B foot flute would have a range that extends down to B, so it would have three tone holes on the footjoint, a B key, and (on Powell flutes) a gizmo key.  The gizmo key helps facilitate the high C -- you can read more about its history in our previous post on the gizmo key.  However, B foot models of Powell flutes are also available without a gizmo key.  Because a C foot flute has less physical material in its construction, it will also be lighter to hold and will be priced lower than a B foot.  In the U.S., the majority of Powell sales are for flutes with a B foot.  In the UK, many players prefer the C foot.  Regardless of your choice, Powell has the option with each model (as mentioned above).  There are also cases available from Powell for either a B foot or C foot flute.  The photos below show Aurumite Conservatory C foot and B foot models.

C Foot -- two tone holes, no B key, no gizmo.

Close-up on C footjoint.

B Foot has three tone holes and additional keys.

Red arrow points to gizmo key, yellow points to B key.

After Market Customizations

Is it possible to customize your flute with some optional features after you've purchased it?  The answer would be a solid "maybe," depending on the flute.  Each flute must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.  Here at Powell, there are some options that can be added after the flute has been purchased.  Regardless of whether you have an in-line or offset G, there are certain options that are available.  For a C# trill or split E, the flute would have to be analyzed by the repair tech to see if it would be possible to add these.

Enclosed D# Roller

There are a couple of options that are definitely possible, such as a G disc, which can always be added.  If you are interested in adding a B foot or C foot, that is available as well.  You can order a B or C foot, and it will be made in the shop.  You could even choose a different metal if you would prefer.  You would need to send your entire flute to the shop to have the new B or C foot fitted to the instrument.  Also, a D# roller could be added, although it would have to be an "enclosed" roller (as seen in the photo on the right).

Customizations can always be considered for Powell Signature, Conservatory, and Handmade Custom flutes.  Unfortunately, there are certain models that we are not able to customize after purchase, including Powell Sonaré models, the Powell 2100, and the Powell 3100.  Options are not available on the Powell Sonaré flutes because the mechanism is different from a Powell custom, and the keys are plated.  The 2100 and 3100 also have mechanisms and key shapes of a much different design than a traditional Powell model.  Powell aftermarket options are only available on Powell flutes and not on other brands, unfortunately.  If you are considering an after market customization, make sure to contact our repair technician to see what might be possible.  Our technician, Rachel Baker, can be reached at rbaker@powellflutes.com.