The gizmo key is a key commonly found on the B foot joint of certain models of flute that closes the low B tone hole without closing the low C or C# hole. This facilitates the performance of a fourth octave C and makes convenient fingering for high C.
The gizmo key was introduced by Verne Q. Powell (Powell Flutes), in response to criticisms of the B foot joint by performers such as Jean-Pierre Rampal, who believed that the lengthened tube made it harder for them to produce the highest notes. It is now common on the instrument.
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