This wooden transverse flute is the result of my goal of creating a more powerful traverso, and yet preserve the spirit, look and feel of 17th-18th Century flutes.

Its warm tonal character and fingering are based on the baroque flute which assigns one finger per hole. To give it a name I have chosen the term ‘modern traverso’. It has already been suggested to me that I lend it my name as the ‘Beaudin flute’. It also delivers improved intonation in comparison to its predecessors which overall makes it more expressive. This modernised traverso embodies several influences and ideas: Baroque, Quantz, Bressan, 19th Century Böhm, and Carnatic South Indian. The Ganassi recorder of F. Morgan also has a role to play by virtue of its similar loudness, cylindrical bore and large finger holes.

The wood is generally african blackwood; it provides maximum power and stability. It is in D, and covers a full chromatic scale of 2½ octaves from D to A. A single key covers the (Eb-D#) hole on the foot. I also offer the option of two holes on the foot enabling accurate tuning for both Eb and D#. The Eb is opened by a small key, and the D# by a larger key as seen on the J.J. Quantz flute.

The flute is available in the three most useful pitches: A: 440Hz, 415Hz et 392Hz.

Due to its main cylindrical bore, it was necessary to design a section comprising the six principal holes on a single wooden piece. This is also the case for the Böhm modern flute and the old French flutes from the Louis XIV era made by the Hotteterre and Rippert. Similar to these, the different sections are:

Double-tenon head joint with a cap on the left side, double-mortise barrel, double-tenon centre joint, and a foot with one or two keys.

This combination of pieces keeps the straight pieces (with tenons) separate from the pieces with mouldings (with mortises).
Thus, it is possible to substitute different head and centre pieces, preserving the same moulded joining pieces.

I offer four different exterior stylings:

1. •  Modern. Smooth with gentle curves.
   

2. •  Baroque 18th Century. Inspired by Beaulieu rings (in development).
   

3. •  Baroque late 17th Century. Inspired by Bressan.
   

4. •  Ganassi. My own interpretation of the Italian style from the time of Monteverdi.
   
   

My base price is US$2,300 (postage included), an additional key $150. A single head is $350. An elegant brocade pouch is available for $150. I recommend the zirconium plug made by Robert Bigio in London.

To officially place an order, I require a deposit of $500.