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This innovative transverse flute is the result of my extensive research with the goal of creating a more powerful traverso, one which preserves the spirit, look and feel of 17th-18th Century flutes.

To give it a name I have chosen the term ‘modern traverso’. It has already been suggested to me that I bestow it with my name as the ‘Beaudin flute’ to be more specific.

Its warm tonal character and fingering are derived from the baroque flute with its six holes in the center joint and basically one key on the foot. By delivering improved intonation and increased power, in comparison to its predecessors, we now have access to much greater expressive possibilities. This modernized traverso embodies several influences and ideas: Baroque: Quantz, Rippert, Bressan. 19th Century: Boehm. South India: Carnatic. 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 generally used is African Blackwood; it provides maximum power and stability. Mopane is an interesting option for the moulded pieces.
My flute is in D, and covers a full chromatic scale of 2½ octaves from D1 to A3. A single key covers the (Eb-D#) hole on the foot. I also offer the option of two holes/keys on the foot enabling accurate tuning for both Eb and D#. The Eb is opened by a small key and D# by a larger key as seen on the J.J. Quantz flute.


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


I am also offering, since the spring 2011, a central middle joint with smaller holes. This is especially suited to women with thin fingers.


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

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

This combination 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 am offering my clients as many options as possible to personalize orders. An elegant pouch in brocade is available in a large choice of different material designs.

I offer three different exterior stylings:

  1.   Modern Style. Smooth with gentle curves.

  2.   French Style 1700. Inspired by Bressan, Rippert and Hotteterre.

  3.   Italian Ganassi Style 1600. My own interpretation of the Italian style from the time of Monteverdi.

Fingering Chart

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Youtube Clips

Here is my new piccolo designed using the same features and principles as my modern traverso. It has a cylindrical body and a conical head joint. It is made of granadilla and mopane, with a single silver or brass key.


My first (No: 1) is at 392Hz, and works perfectly over two octaves and a tone (d1 to e). Future research will enable me to improve its range up to a3 certainly. The type of moulding or external appearance is very simple: soft curves and no vertical lines. The central barrel is intentionally very wide to provide comfortable support for the left hand. I am planning also to cread versions at A: 415Hz and 440Hz.


Price: $1,500 CDN.


  1.   Pictures.