Soldered or Drawn Toneholes
Most flutes are manufactured with drawn and rolled toneholes. The process involves punching a small pilot hole in the body tube and using various types of tools to form the tonehole by pulling metal up from the tube. Then the top is milled flat, and the top of the hole is rolled off. Once a flutemaker sets up for drawn holes, it is a very efficient and economical way to produce the holes. The soldered process involves machining the actual hole, then soldering it to the body tube. Once mounted, the hole in the tube is milled out. Makers use differ
ent materials to solder the holes. Most older flutes are soldered with lead enabling easy repair of toneholes, but lead usually requires frequent attention as leaks form once the lead deteriorates. Silver and gold solders are used today as a response to the joint leakage problems, but repair of bent tubes and so forth are much more involved. Good news/bad news. Soldered holes are indicative of the highest order of flutemaking because of the extra time element involved. Flutes with soldered holes usually range upwards of $8500. This discussion then is of less interest to those buying instruments in lower prices ranges since it is not an option.
People do not always agree on the sound difference between the two. This is partly because one cannot easily compare an instrument with soldered holes and the same exact flute with drawn holes. In my experience, the drawn hole flutes play a little freer - with more abandon. The soldered hole flutes play with more reserve. Some view soldered holes as resistant and dark. This is often desirable. Sometimes not.