A dream sound?

[AG950Flute]

I think you pose a very interesting question in terms of
different colors and timbres that certain metals and materials produce. There's
a couple things to keep in mind when thinking about the ideal, dream sound.
First off, there are many that believe the headjoint is 80% of what the flute
actually sounds like. The flute body if crafted properly provides a correct
scale and intonation, correct pad coverage so all the notes come out, and as
much comfort as possible when playing in terms of a smooth mechanism. These are
aspects that a great flute body will have, and something that a headjoint
cannnot have (except for of course the correct placement of the cork in the
headjoint, but I think you have the idea). Furthermore, it would be VERY unusual
and rare to see a wood body with a metal headjoint for the following reasons.
There are some people however, that play with a woodheadjoint on a metal body (I
almost bought a wood headjoing). Purchasing a wooden flute (one made by a
reputable company that is reliable) is going to be around 10-11K, and if you
think about adding a gold or platinum headjoint you're looking at an additional
4-6K. There really is not much of a savings in doing this. Especially since a
gold flute (with a silver mechanism) can start anywhere around 12-13K, and a
platinum flute with a silver mechanism starts around 19K. I think you see that
there isn't much of a savings. I have to say though, I agree that gold and
platinum flutes have a beautiful unique tone color to them. I played a BEAUTIFUL
platinum haynes flute and dozens of gold instruments, but as my teacher told me,
and I must agree, that it is important to have a great silver instrument before
you purchase a gold or platinum flute. This is because of blending. Platinum is
bold and bright, and when playing in an ensemble difficult to blend with. Gold
is much more common in orchestras nowadays, and is easier to blend with. I think
it's important to remember as developing flutist to remember to develop your
skills, techniques, and strong practice habits. So many times flutists can begin
to lose that focus and worry about their "equipment" rather than themselves. I
think we've all been there. Keep working hard, progress and keep that dream
sound in your mind, you might be surprised what you can do with your current
flute. Having that dream sound in your mind is the perfect place to start and a
great goal to achieve. When you feel like you've outgrown your flute, progress
to the next logical step, just don't jump into a "big" instrument too soon.
Best of luck

[AG950Flute]

i'm assuming that you may be talking about the nfa convention?
for trying out instruments. if so, that's a great place to look and find out
information about every instrument available. if not, fluteworld.com or
flutesmith.com are great sites to check out. most places will allow you to take
instruments out to try out and bring to your teachers as well so you can get
additional feedback. when i worked at a music store and a student came in to
look at upgrading to a new flute i tried my hardest to not push the sale but
instead for them to take it out for a few days to try. it's a big investment
and an important decision. i think it's important for you try out instruments
and find one that you like, but from some experience in selling instruments i
really like the gemeinhardts, yamahas, and prima sankyos. best of luck!

[AG950Flute]

one other thing.... when trying out headjoints, you may want to
ask about a gold riser, that will effect the sound and enhance it a great deal.
there's a small increase in price, but i think you may like the difference. you
may want to do blind tests on flutes, have someone give you a flute and not tell
you what it is and see what you like the best, same with headjoints.