Physical Characteristics
The simple system flute had a cylindrical head joint and a reverse tapered body. The six main tone holes were heavily undercut to produce even intonation and registration while providing even finger spacing. 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 and German models were typically designed with eight keys: the five of the five-key flute, plus a alternate F key running along the instrument, and two keys on the foot joint to extend the lower register down to middle C.
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