Headjoint on Yamaha 221?

[dowinterfor6]

Hey guys I just want to ask if anyone has done this before and what happened, or if you guys have any advice on doing this? I'm pretty experienced (Grade but I've been using this flute all my life, and Im wondering if a new headjoint would be worth the money (I don't want to spend over 250USD on it!), or should I just stick to the standard headjoint? Thanks!

[pied_piper]

You didn't mention what type of flute you currently play so it's difficult to advise you. Many flutists often change to different headjoints. However, if you are currently playing a student model, there is probably not much advantage to putting a better headjoint on it because the flute itself will be a limiting factor to improving your sound. If that's the case, you would be far better off to upgrade to a better flute. Some intermediate models include a handcut headjoint. Another consideration is the $250 budget you mentioned. You will find it difficult to impossible to find an improved headjoint in that price range. Most handcut headjoints start around $1000 and go up from there.

[LondonFluteFixer]

I know the accepted wisdom has always been that "hand-cut/hand-made" is best...

But IS IT?

Really?

Surely it is about time we challenged these old notions of the time-honoured craftsman, bent over his work-bench, lovingly crafting his latest subject...etc...etc...

But in these days of CNC machines which can cut/lathe etc to ultra-fine tolerances...then surely...

Machines make "better" nowdays?

No?

Light blue touch-paper...and retire...

[flutego12]

Hey guys I just want to ask if anyone has done this before and what happened, or if you guys have any advice on doing this? I'm pretty experienced (Grade but I've been using this flute all my life, and Im wondering if a new headjoint would be worth the money (I don't want to spend over 250USD on it!), or should I just stick to the standard headjoint? Thanks!

Interesting question. This is my one cent.

Answer really depends on why you are seeking the headjoint in the first place.
If you are already happy with your current headjoint, and there are no immediate upskilling goals to meet (professionally or academically) nor the need for the greater projection offered by the solid flutes, then, in the unlikelihood of any meaningful upgrade within the $250 budget, I'd say stick with your old headjoint.

Unlike you, I am relatively new on the scene (2.5yrs "fast tracked" successfully or otherwise) hence still developing, but I have found much pleasure playing as an amateur, the Yamaha F100ASII, 211, Jupiter 511SE which, at my level of play (incl some lyrical Grade 8 repertoire) has been tremendously satisfying. I've found breath control so easy due to the responsiveness of the headjoint and breath economy (esp on a well cut F100ASII, 211 and recently a 511SE) - it was possible to coax what I think is sufficient "color" and add expression to the piece. I really should be practicing on my silver flute but on lazy days, the student flute more than suffices for the serotonin fix. If you don't need the projection, status quo suffices.

If however, you are driven by deep curiosity and are desiring to push yourself to a whole nuther level of flute playing, then that is a different story. Budget might be a challenge. And there will also be the month or two or more of adjusting your embouchure to the new headjoint, which may suck for a while. They say "no pain, no gain".

My one cent.