A split-E mechanism is provided for use on a flute having a right-hand steel, a left-hand steel, a first hinge rotatably mounted on the right-hand steel, a first key coupled to the first hinge, a second hinge rotatably mounted on the left-hand steel, and a second key. The split-E mechanism includes an actuator for actuating the second key in response to rotation of the second hand relative to the left-hand steel. The mechanism also includes a bridge device for interconnecting the first and second hinges for rotating the second hinge in response to actuation of the first key to operate the actuator.