Yamaha 481 Headjoint

[atoriphile]

I play an older Yamaha 481 that came with a Sterling Silver Yamaha headjoint, but there is no marking on it near the crown nor near the logo indicating the cut and taper (e.g., CY or EC). Since I bought it used, I'm not sure how old the flute is or if it is the original headjoint.

Does the 481 come with a student model silver headjoint? If so, is the cut and taper equivalent to any of those listed on Yamaha's website, or is it completely different?

Does anyone own a 481 that came with a headjoint (the original one, of course) that indicated the cut and taper? Or is yours the same as mine -- no indication whatsoever?

Thank you!

[flutepicc06]

I believe the Yamaha 481 comes with basically the same headjoint as their student models (the CY), though depending on the age of the instrument the specs may change (Yamaha just changed their model numbers a few years ago, so what was once a 481 is no longer). The EC is found on 500 and above models, and has been for some years now. I'm sure Melizzard (and probably others) can give you more information as well.

[flutepicc06]

Double post.

[Phineas]

The 400 series by default has the same head joint as the 200 series, and the 300 series which is the CY. The only difference is the material. Personally, I have not seen a CY headjoint with makings on it that indicate it is a CY headjoint, although the silver versions do have markings on them that tell you it is silver.

For your information, when I was at Yamaha in Japan, I did see 400 series flutes with EC headjoints in them, so they are interchangable.

Phineas

[MeLizzard]

Thanks for your confidence! If you're unsure of the flute's age, I'd suggest contacting Yamaha (email) with your flute's model and serial #s, and asking for its specs. Most companies keep such records, though sometimes we strike out. Phineas is correct that, usually, the 400 series has the same head as the lower-numbered series (300s).