English flute

He was said to be "at the forefront of English flute playing for more than half a century".

Further, the band used instruments atypical of rock, like English flutes.

The whistle's fingering system is similar to that of the six hole, "simple system English flutes" ("simple" in comparison to Boehm system flutes).

In his spare time, Herman was known to ponder the physics of musical instruments, such as the mechanics of a cello bow and the acoustics of the English flute.

Conical bores giving a penetrating sound were used in Vienna, English flutes had a range to low C and played best in flat keys, French flutes gave a softer tone, and German flutes blended best with orchestras.

John comes from both classical and rock backgrounds and has played with ensembles such as The English Flute Quartet and the Westminster Camerata, as well as appearing on albums and touring with his brother, Steve Hackett.

English flute maker and jazz musician Bernard Overton is credited with producing the first modern low whistle in late 1971, which he made for Finbar Furey after Furey's prized Indian bamboo whistle was destroyed while on tour.