The term simple system flute refers to the type of flute manufactured and favored by classical European musicians during the Classical era, before the development of the Boehm system flute. [1] These flutes are based on the Baroque traverso, a lineage that also gave rise to the traditional Irish flute, and to the flutes used in Cuban charanga 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 main tone 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 and German 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 to middle C.