The
bass flute is the bass member of the
flute family. It is in the key of C, pitched one octave below the
concert flute. Because of the length of its tube (approximately 146 cm), it is usually made with a "J" shaped head joint, which brings the
embouchure hole within reach of the player. It is usually only used in flute choirs, as it is easily drowned out by other instruments of comparable register, such as the
clarinet.