It is customary to put the flat sign in front of the number.

As in, "b3, b7" instead of "3b, 7b".

However, when using the lettername of the note, the flat sign does indeed follow: "Ab, Cb".

For the numbers, we say, "flat three" etc.

For the letters we say out loud, "A-flat" etc.

For some reason, the doubleflat (or doublesharp) is handled the same for both lettername and number, we say and write, "7bb" or "Seven Double-flat" -- although it is perfectly fine to say, "The double-flatted seven" also.


--Mac