The termsimple system flute refers to the type offlute manufactured and favored by classical European musicians during theClassical era, before the development of theBoehm system flute.[1] These flutes are based on theBaroque traverso, a lineage that also gave rise to the traditionalIrish flute, and to the flutes used in Cubancharanga bands.[2] For this reason, the term is commonly used to distinguish "traditional" Irish flutes from the modern Boehm-system flute.[3]
The simple system flute had a cylindrical head joint and a reverse tapered body. The six maintone holes were heavily undercut[clarification needed] to produce even intonation and registration while providing even finger spacing.[citation needed]French simple system flutes (or "five-key flutes") from this era typically had five keys that enabled the flute to play in any key.English andGerman models were typically designed with eight keys: the five of the five-key flute, plus an alternate F key running along the instrument, and two keys on the foot joint to extend the lower register down tomiddle C.