Flute FAQ:
What is the difference between conical and cylindrical bores? 
by Diane Boyd Schultz, Assistant Professor of Music,
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A cylindrical bore has the same diameter throughout; a conical bore tapers slightly to the end.
The conical bore instrument, however, has a more consistent and full-bodied tone quality.
The cylindrical bore instrument has a thinner sound in the bottom two octaves but improves in the third octave.
The conical bore piccolo is preferred by most professional piccoloists.


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