What is the difference between a b foot and a c foot? Obviously the b foot goes down to the b below middle c, but I mean physical appearance, I saw a flute where the foot joint had 3 keys, whereas a C foot only has 2... would this have been a b foot?

Yes. There's an extra tone hole for the bottom B, and an extra roller key above the C roller to operate it. This key can be used for some of the very high notes, too. The B foot adds extra weight to the flute, but can also give a more responsive lower register.

I liked the B foot when I tried it, but as I developed tendonitis after switching to an all-solid flute (because it was much heavier than a plated flute) I decided not to risk it happening again with the extra weight of the B foot.

While looking to buy a flute, I've also been considering a B footjoint. I prefer the extra depth of sound that it gives, but like andante_in_c, the extra weight on a solid silver flute is considerable.

I been told that a B foot helps the intonation in the third octave and also allows fourth octave notes to be played. The fourth octave cannot be played on a flute with only a C foot??? Not that it makes much difference to me at the moment, the highest I can get right now is A in the third octave.

One question, are B footjoints gaining more popular use in the UK and Europe these days?? At one time it seemed that only the Americans used them.

I don't know about a whole fourth octave, but according to my fingering chart you can get up to at least F# without a B footjoint?? (assuming your embrouchure will take it! mine won't!) There are alternative fingerings if you do have one for C and C#. There might be other notes you can get (apart from obviously B!) but I don't know.

Hmmm... ok I just did a search. The only website where I found anything claimed you can't get the fourth octave without a B footjoint, but as I can presently only just get C4 I can't prove or disprove that.... other sites imply that you can get 4th octave notes from the fingering charts without a B footjoint but don't actually say it...

Anyone know for sure?

This site: http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/flute/fl_alt_4.html seems to suggest that there are some fingerings which get 4th octave notes on a C-foot flute... (some of them are labelled as specifically for the B footjoint)

apparently the B footjoint also makes whispertones easier to get

Ok, had a look for some prices, can't find many, the only prices I found are very high... looks like if I want get one I'm going to have to wait until after jailbreak

Some of the high notes have alternative fingerings for B and C foot, with the B foot ones being easier, I think.

There is an increasing amount of repertoire which assumes B foot. The wonderful Ian Clarke writes his pieces for either (like 'The Great Train Race' which is available in both versions). However, American composers such as Robert D*ck assume everyone has open holes and B foots (feet?). Some transcriptions/arrangements also go down to low B, like Galway's edition of the Borne 'Carmen Fantasy', although there are often alternative passage for C foot players.

the general consensus seems to be you CAN get them without a B footjoint, it's just even harder.... *I* can't, as yet.... once day...........