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English flageolet

This instrument is a typical improved octave flageolet, based on William Bainbridge’s 1803 patent. The wind is led through four channels in the cap and a circular sponge in a cistern absorbs moisture. The two keys allow d-sharp to be sounded and also extend the upward range of the instrument. The first tone-hole is partially plugged so that it may be used as an octaving hole. The projection on the side of the windcap is to allow a semitone key to be fitted and the ivory spacing studs are to guide the player’s fingers to the tone-holes, which are marked with the appropriate finger and note-letter.

  • Date:
    1821–30
  • Maker:
    Bainbridge, William [Person]
  • Collection:
    Royal College of Music Museum
  • Inventory number:
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  • Place of production:
    London
  • Culture:
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  • Inscriptions:On windcap: "BAINBRIDGE / INVENTOR / PATENT"
  • Hornbostel-Sachs category:
  • Repository:Royal College of Music Museum
  • Measurements:Length: 367mm (with mouthpiece)