How to fit smaller headjoint on flute

[BlackSakura]

What can you do to get a smaller head joint to fit your flute? With out having it stretched.

[fluttiegurl]

I use Teflon tape (plumbers tape) on my headjoint. It does not have any actual tack (sticky) to it, so it will not damage the headjoint. I do this because I use the headjoint on two different flutes. Some techs say that you cannot get the most from the headjoint doing this, which may be true, but I know several well known flutists who do this as well, which is where I got the idea. For me, it has worked very well.

[Zevang]

I tried this procedure of adding plumbers tape to the tennon of the headjoint once. Unless you have to use the headjoint on two different flutes (one of them larger than de head), I don't recommend it, because it takes time to adjust the tape every time you put the flute together. Inserting the headjoint is another issue, since the tape may slip from the place where you put it and you sometimes have to repeat all the process (and throw away some more tape too).
I'd recommend you to take the headjoint to a technician and have it properly adjusted to the body. It's no big deal and must not be expensive.
Now, concerning the quality of the tone, I could not perceive any major disadvantage in using it. Seemed to me as if I was not using any tape at all. Besides, if it was the case, any instrument would have cork joints, like clarinets, oboes, bassons and even wooden flutes...

[Kshel]

Masking or copper tape work well too.

[fluttiegurl]

I would avoid masking tape, or any kind of sticky back tape, because it is quite rough and tends to leave sticky residue on things.

[pied_piper]

JL Smith just came out with a new product for just this purpose. It is a copper tape that is specifically designed for fitting a smaller head joint to a larger flute barrel.

http://www.jlsmithco.com/New-Products/101068

I'd suggest having a flute tech install it for you, though. With the copper tape added, it will probably be too large and will have to be sanded down for a proper fit. I have not seen this used yet, but it seems to be a good semi-permanent solution that won't wear off like tape but is still removable, if needed.