Closed vs Open-Hole Flutes
One of the world's oldest flutes dates back approximately 40,000 years, starting as a 22cm instrument with five tone holes, fashioned from a hollowed wing bone of a griffon vulture. Over millennia, the flute has gone through many design and mechanical changes – from no keys to many, bone to wood to metal, approximately-conical to -cylindrical. Arguably the most radical change occurred in 1847 with Theobald Böhm's invention of the modern flute. His original design featured solid keys that, when depressed, sealed the large tone holes beneath. Shortly after, French flute makers Clair Godfrey and Louis Lot introduced the open hole system - keys with the centre cut out - requiring exact placement of the fingers to seal the key and, thereby, the tone hole. Both systems are widely used today, so what are the differences and benefits of each?
Comparison of a Baroque (top) and modern flute (bottom). (The Bach and Beethoven Experience 2017)
The original Böhm flute was a closed-hole flute, also known as a plateau model. Today, this style is commonly associated with beginner and intermediate concert flutes and other members of the flute family, including the piccolo, alto and bass. One contributing factor to their popularity amongst beginners is that closed-hole flutes require less finger precision, allowing the player to focus on creating a good sound. As the keys cover the whole tone hole, closed-hole flutes can also be a good option for people with smaller hands or reduced hand and finger dexterity. Though less common, some more experienced and professional flutists play on closed-hole instruments, including Moyse!
The open-hole style (also referred to as the French model) has become synonymous with more advanced and professional flutes as it requires greater finger control; a flutist must entirely cover the holes to ensure the quality and accuracy of the note produced. Open holes also facilitate a larger variety of techniques, including glissandos, microtones and multiphonics. It also gives the player the freedom to experiment with special fingerings to alter the tuning or colour of a note.
Comparison of open- (left) and closed-hole (right) flutes (Flutes & Flutists 2024)
When student flutists progress to an intermediate instrument, many are shocked to discover holes in the keys. "How do you play it?!" "Is it hard to play?" To help ease the transition from a closed- to an open-hole flute, flutists can use plugs that can be placed in as many or as few of the open holes as they desire. Many students new to the open-holed system will start with all the keys plugged in and gradually remove them as their finger technique becomes more precise. The ability to add and remove plugs easily and at no risk of damage to the instrument means that you can customise the flute to your evolving preferences and needs.
Overall, each system has different benefits at different stages of your flute development; playing a closed-hole flute as a professional flutist doesn't put you at a measurable disadvantage to colleagues who play on an open system, and starting your flute journey on an open system doesn't mean you won't be able to create a good sound. How should you choose between the systems when buying a new flute? Think about your musical goals, any physical limitations or preferences, and financial constraints, and if in doubt, ask your teacher or trusted flute expert for advice!