What Do Gold Springs Do for Your Flute?

Have you read the term “gold springs” in a flute description and wondered what it meant? Me too!

My professional model Haynes flute has a gold riser. This gold changes my sound in a way that appeals to me. So, I always thought that any gold on your flute should also change your tone. Isn’t that why you got a flute with some gold? Various parts of a flute can be made with gold – the riser, lip plate, entire headjoint, keys, etc? You can even get a flute that has gold mixed in with the silver!

So, I did some research on gold springs, then got a professional model flute with gold springs to test out my theory. I had this idea that if I were to have a flute with gold springs, it must do something for my tone. Well, sadly as I have learned, gold Springs do nothing for your tone!

Let’s start with the term “gold springs.” This is a misnomer since the springs are actually a gold alloy. This is so because solid gold is too soft to be used as a spring. Next, what is a spring anyway? It is simply what makes your keys spring back up after you press them down then release them. The spring makes the key come back up. It is as simple as that!

This gold alloy spring used to be the norm for use in flute springs. However, it is as common, if not more common today to find that the springs are made from stainless steel.

Either works fine. Both are used in professional model flutes. The price difference is nominal. So, do not hesitate to purchase a flute with or without gold springs.

Sadly, my theory was proved incorrect! Gold springs do not improve or otherwise change your tone! This is not a value-add for your flute purchase. The springs are strictly about finger action.

However, if your flute does have gold springs, it is certainly brag-worthy as long as you wink when you mention it to your friends.

Have fun!

DoctorFlute

Watch me demonstrate this idea:

Gold Springs What Do They Do – FluteTips 159