The term fife is used to describe the type of very small flute
which is normally played in bands, but is increasingly appearing as a solo
instrument. As with bigger flutes, the pitch can vary. The commonest is
Bb, but they are also available in C. The model I make is based on Rudall
Carte & Co. instrument which I had in the workshop some years ago.
In comparison to the mass produced band fifes which are available, these
instruments have a strong bottom end and clear and powerful upper notes.
The standard fife is keyless, but because of the small finger holes
it is possible to produce almost all the semitones of the scale by cross-fingering.
The addition of one key, the "Eb" will make the fife fully chromatic, however
the instrument can be provided with up to 6 keys, which are the equivalent
of those on the standard flute.
