The only reason that you would consider putting a professional model hand cut headjoint on an intermediate flute is to save money. If you wanted to improve your flute tone, and you had enough money to spend on a professional model flute, then you would just buy the better flute.
But let’s face it, top-of-the-line flutes begin in the $10 to $20,000 range! Whereas top of the line headjoints begin in the $2 to $5,000 range. That’s a big difference when cost is the issue.
However, if you already own a professional model flute, you know that the superlative quality workmanship of a flute made by hand enables you to get a much better sound than you ever could from a step-up flute. The better mechanism alone enables your fingers to fly in such a way that is not possible to achieve on intermediate flutes. This level of flute opens a whole new world of performance enjoyment for you, as well as performance improvement!
Plus of course, the professional flutes offer several extra options such as: Split E Mechanism, C-sharp Trill, D-sharp Roller, Thin Wall (.014), Heavy Wall (0.18), Drawn or Soldered Tone Holes, as well as a variety of precious metals. Whether or not you need any of these is a topic for another discussion. And you can read my blog and watch my video on that topic:
But going back to the question at hand:
Should You Put a Professional Headjoint on an Intermediate Body?
In other words, will the better headjoint help you sound better, and thereby extend the life of your intermediate flute? My answer is a resounding yes.
I did a test with my daughter’s Haynes Amadeus intermediate flute by swapping out the headjoint with a Powell Sterling Silver hand cut headjoint with a 14-Karat gold lip plate and riser with the Venti cut. This Powell headjoint is truly a beautiful head!
I made a video playing a little bit of Devienne’s second movement of his E Minor Concerto on both headjoints, as well as some scales and testing the high register. I was clearly able to get a much better sound with the better headjoint. But I also have years of technical practice. My fingers know what to do.
If your weakness is technical – that is, if your fingers and hands are not as good as your embouchure and support – then you still may not see the performance gains that you desire by purchasing just a professional model hand cut headjoint. You may also need the amazing finger action provided by the mechanism of a professional flute.
Additionally, the professional head responded beautifully. The upper register came out so easily. The response was right there. The difference was instantly noticeable.
The Bottom Line
I am certain that a hand cut headjoint is an economical way to give you a shot at a new and better tone without having to spend several thousand dollars more for the whole new professional model flute. The quality and craftsmanship is evident from the first notes you play.
So, if you are on a tight budget, and you desperately want a better sounding flute, then I would recommend that you do a trial with a few good headjoint. Test them thoroughly and see if one might be the answer that you are looking for.
Have fun!
DoctorFlute
Watch my video comparing 2 headjoints on an intermediate flute:
Should You Put a Professional Headjoint on an Intermediate Body – FluteTips 170
Here’s the gear tested in this video:
Amadeus by William S. Haynes Model 580 – Haynes Amadeus silver-plated headjoint with sterling silver (.925) lip plate and riser, silver-plated body and mechanism, drawn tone holes, French (open hole) model, pointed key arms, (.016″) tubing, offset G, B footjoint.
Verne Q. Powell Sterling Silver Handcut Headjoint – sterling silver (.925) tube and crown, 14-Karat gold lip plate and riser, (.016”) standard wall tubing. Venti cut. Handmade in USA.
If you’re interested in setting up a flute trial, please consider FCNY and tell them I sent you (Code: DrFlute) to get some extras for free.
To start your flute trial, you’ll first want to go to flutecenter.com and fill out the form. Here’s the link:
https://flutecenter.com/pages/trial-form
Then put my code: “DrFlute” in the box labeled “Influencer Code.”
This code gives you these extras with some exceptions:
*3 extra days to try your flute – that’s a 10-day trial instead of only 7 days
*6 extra months of warranty on your new flute – that’s 18 months instead of only 12 months
*Free Shipping of up to three flutes, piccolos, and/or headjoints at a time for trial!
*10% off sheet music
*Free domestic shipping on instrument purchases
Plus, when you purchase a new flute (or headjoint!) using my code, FCNY will pay me a small commission. Thank you!
Why Are Professional Flutes So Expensive? Flute Center Sponsored
Comparing 3 Professional Flutes Haynes Powell Brannen – Flute Center Sponsored
Does the Cut of Your Lip Plate Make a Difference on a Professional Gold Flute? FCNY Sponsored
Does the Cut of Your Lip Plate Make a Difference on a Professional Silver Flute – FCNY Sponsored
How to Choose a New Headjoint For Your Flute – FluteTips 100
Comparing 5 Headjoints From Burkart Nagahara & Song Flute & Headjoint Makers
The Difference Gold Makes on a Headjoint – FCNY Sponsored
Flute Review Haynes Amadeus Model 680 Step Up Flute – FCNY Sponsored
Professional Flute Extras – Do You Need Them? FCNY Sponsored
Does Flute Tubing Thickness Matter – FCNY Sponsored
Helping Waverly Choose Her Next Step Up Flute – FCNY Sponsored
