Flute Key Extensions: the possibilities are endless!

A custom key extension made to be added/removed when needed.

At McChord Flutes we are often approached by clients that are looking to make their flute more comfortable to play. They may have had an injury or are getting older and can't cover the open holes anymore. Sometimes they have inherited a flute that doesn't quite fit their hands. When they approach us with this issue we always ask if they have tried key extensions before and most have never heard of them!

A recent swiveling extension for a client.

Suitable for any brand

The beauty of key extensions is they can fit any brand of flute. Each extension is custom made in-house using the measurements from your flute and your hands. They can be added to open hole keys as well as closed hole keys and adjusted to your specific needs. They can be raised, lowered and angled so that they are in just the right place.

Custom configurations

They can be in any configuration you need, and since they are custom made we can work with you to add as many or few as you'd like. You can have them on the G key (the most common request) or on any of the other keys that you might need them. A man recently came to us that was missing part of his ring finger on his right hand. We made a key extension for that key and now he can play much more comfortably!

Inexpensive

Key extensions are inexpensive to make and to add to your flute, so they can be a great way to upgrade your setup if you are having trouble reaching certain keys. They are most often made of sterling silver but we also offer them in gold. We offer many different options for key shapes and designs to choose from that are cast, so they are high quality but inexpensive to produce.

Permanent or removable

Perhaps the best thing about key extensions is they can be permanent or removable. They can be soldered on or epoxied in place so they never move or they can be attached in a more temporary way using a plug that can be popped on or off as needed. One of our recent clients requested a key extension that could be rotated in and out of place depending on her playing abilities on any given day. We built an extension that could press into the open hole and rotate as needed and that was perfect for her.

Let us know in the comments if you've tried key extensions before and tell us what your experience was like!