THE C# TRILL KEY

U.S. Patent 7,589,268B2


Over the years, many players have asked about the possibility of having a C# trill key on the conical piccolo. After all, the C# trill is one of the most useful and popular additional mechanisms on the flute. After years of working on this problem, we are very pleased to be able to offer a C# trill mechanism for Keefe Piccolos. Our C# trill produces all of the standard trills found on flutes with a C# trill key, including the high G to A trill.

Until now, when asked to trill high G to A, piccolo players have had the option of choosing from a number of problematic fingerings, or simply trilling from G to G#. To produce the G to A trill, we have added a key that allows the player to trill the G# key in combination with the C# trill key (this G# trill key is operated by the first finger of the right hand). Trilling the G#/C# trill mechanism in combination with the upper trill key produces a true G to A trill.

Trills facilitated by the Keefe C# Trill Mechanism

  • C to C# in the first and second octaves: Finger C and trill the C# trill key. This trill is more in tune and more convenient.
  • B to C# in the first and second octaves: Finger B and trill the C# trill key. Better intonation, and trill one finger instead of two.
  • High G to A: Finger high G. Trill the C# trill and G# trill keys with the first finger of the right hand while trilling the upper trill lever with the 2nd finger of the right hand. The trill is in tune and easy to sustain at any dynamic level. Some places where this trill is needed include the Nutcracker ballet, Swan Lake, and various Mahler symphonies.
  • High G to Ab: Finger high G and trill the C# trill key. Trilling the right hand first finger is much easier than trilling the left hand fourth finger.
  • High F# to G#: Finger high F# and trill the C# trill key. Used in the Grand Canyon Suite.
  • High Ab to Bb: Finger high Ab and trill the C# trill and both the D and D# trill keys.

Keefe Piccolo Company has published a fingering guide detailing all the trills related to the C# trill key. You will find it here: Keefe Fingering Guide

Special thanks to Laurie Sokoloff, Zart Dombourian-Eby and Carl Hall for their assistance in the development of this mechanism.