Is the fingering for an 8 key irish flute the same as a standard flute?

Question:I play a standard professional flute and I've been thinking of getting an Irish flute but I want it the fingering to be close to a standard flute. The only type that looks close to a standard flute is an eight keyed irish flute. But is the fingering the same? And though it looks like a standard flute, should I bother getting an 8 keyed irish flute, does it matter what kind I get?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I play a standard professional flute and I've been thinking of getting an Irish flute but I want it the fingering to be close to a standard flute. The only type that looks close to a standard flute is an eight keyed irish flute. But is the fingering the same? And though it looks like a standard flute, should I bother getting an 8 keyed irish flute, does it matter what kind I get?

Yes, the fingering is essentially the same. Tho' you'll have to use cross-fingerings more often, since there's only one way to play each note (for example, Bb is always going to be the first two holes and the Bb key--you can't play it by holding down 1 and 4 or by using the thumb-plate.).

Now, if you are after that wood tone and you don't care about key systems specifically, know that you can find good old wooden concert flutes with various key systems that are more advanced--even some in the Boehm system that we all know and love. Look on ebay (and check both the "antiques" and the "musical instruments" categories). Or shop one of the retailers like Lark in the Morning.