Question:
First flute key?
Ok guys. question here. Where (i think) the first finger goes on the flute, on alot ive seen, that key is just a piece of metal with nothing under it??? Y??? is there a reason for this? and is the key after that the one you skip?(then go to the 2nd and 3rd finger keys) sorry im a total begginer on flute, and im just trying to get everything straight! Thanks uys try to clear up any other mistakes i made in my topic! Thanks~!
Rex

Answer:
The reason is that it is too much of a clumsy stretch for your first finger to reach up to that little key with the pad under it.
Skip the Bb key? Correct, because three other kreys operate it. LIkewise skip the F# key, i.e. the one that is two keys above the upper one of those two tiny right hand trill keys.
See

Answer:
so that key i was referring to (the one with no pad) jus controls something further down on the flute

Answer:
Yes. Actually further UP.
Yet some clueless 'technicians' have ben known to put a pad under it!!!!

Answer:
Isnt it really easy for this to get bent though? o and isnt the first finger flute key smaller than the other two?? there a reason for this? keep in mind im a total beginner and dont even have a flute yet! Thanks!
Rex

Answer:
They don't get bent. The only problems is when they get a little worn, they can rattle but some oil will suffice.

Answer:
I have customers bring flutes back to the repair shop and tell me that I forgot to put a pad on that key. When I tell them that a pad does not go there somtimes they ask me to put one there anyway.I don't.

Answer:
It highlights just how huge is the variation in people's brains in their capacity for grasping 'function'. We tend to assume that all other brains function much the same as our own, but they just don't, which I suppose is good for diversity.

Answer:
On high line overhauls, I but some felt or cork inside the phantom key to keep the zombies away. Arsenio Hall probably has fingers long enough to reach the pad!. I am considering putting a Bis key on flutes for the sax players.

Answer:
A bass clarinet has a key like the flute . It is the third finger right hand(low g-middle d ). It is a lever key that works a larger key on the side of the horn. Under the key the body is cut out so the key can go down further. A pad does not go there but I have customers bring bass clarinets and tell me I forgot to put in a pad. Even after I take the key off and show them there is no hole they still want me to put a pad there.

Answer:
Yep it happens all the time, on both flute and bass clarinets. And the Bass Clarinets seem to fool them more, because that cut out area will often have the pilot hole in the center, the customer sees the hole, thinks it goes through and want a pad put in.

Answer:
Looks like they could put a spatula or some other non-key-cap shaped lever there and save you repair guys a lot of trouble. Must just be cosmetic to make it look like a key cup.

Answer:
One customer in about 3000 brings up such an issue here, and none has ever asked for a pad or felt in spite of its non-function.
Perhaps in different cultures people are less function-focused.
If I see a pad or felt here I have generally taken it to indicate a DIY job, or a really ignorant previous 'technician'. Sorry about that, techs who have done it under duress.