Ok, so I got inspired...

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:43 am

sags_3 wrote:On the comment about the lip plate not affecting tone, I saw some headjoints by an American maker who have the side of the lip plate furthest away from the lips cut away.......surely this must have an effect? Also the shape of the lip plate must make a difference as seen in Sankyo and Powell headjoints where there are different shapes both from face down and profile views.

I've played these heads (I believe you're talking about the Drelinger Free-Flo), and there is very little difference. They are designed to cut down on air noise, not change the sound. The part of the lip plate that he (and other makers) have cut away is not related to tone production. I'm not sure what you mean by "face down and profile views," but I think you may mean a wing lip, and these are designed to direct the air, not alter the tone. At best they make little difference aside from the feel the player experiences, and at worst they restrict your options a for tone slightly. Please note that I said "little to do with tone production"...Not "nothing to do with tone production." There are some exceptions (as there always are when it comes to discussing flutes), but for the most part, the lip plate has only a small involvement in tone.

musical_Kat · Post by **musical_Kat** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 11:19 am

I agree...the lip plate really doesn't have much to do with tone quality....the major difference I have seen is my rose gold riser....now that makes a really nice difference!

sags_3 · Post by **sags_3** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 12:31 pm

I play with an 18kt riser, so much difference! Provides more resistance which allows more variety in tone and the intervals seem to be much easier too although theres no way of saying it is the material without having the same headjoint with silver riser....Id like to think it is the gold after paying £2000 for the headjoint! ($4000)

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 1:11 pm

sags_3 wrote:I play with an 18kt riser, so much difference! Provides more resistance which allows more variety in tone and the intervals seem to be much easier too although theres no way of saying it is the material without having the same headjoint with silver riser....Id like to think it is the gold after paying £2000 for the headjoint! ($4000)

I think most of us that play gold like to think that. Unfortunately, we can't prove it scientifically, as it's impossible to eliminate every variable except the material. Personally I don't think that gold or platinum in the flute is as much a matter of sound difference (though there is a subtle change), but one of feel for the player, which in turn can be translated into sound differences as the player feels more comfortable with their equipment. However, quantity of gold or platinum does change this. A solid gold (throughout) flute sounds noticeably different to me, but a silver flute with gold riser sounds mostly like a silver flute. Of course there's no way for me to show any of this definitively either!

sags_3 · Post by **sags_3** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 2:18 pm

I cant speak for gold, as the change is probably subtle, but I tried a few powell headjoints around 2 years ago without knowing what each of them was. The platinum riser headjoint immediately stood out with a huge sound and a nagahara platinum riser headjoint I tried a month ago had the same abiliy to produce a huge sound. I think this is due to the platinum riser, but again it could just be other factors such as amazing workmanship.

sags_3 · Post by **sags_3** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:19 am

Ok...i got inspired to do the same today! Here are my flutes ( i want to name them...but dont know what!)

From top to bottom:

My first flute : silver plated buffet crampon
My third flute : Sonare 7000
Current Flute : Powell Signature
Piccolo : Venus gold plated (ebay!...thought i must have been lucky as this has been fine for the past 2 years)
Headjoint : Lafin silver with 18k riser and adler wings
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tarzaflute · Post by **tarzaflute** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 4:23 am

Hi, I noticed that you have a Lafin headjoint. I have heard some wonderful things about them lately and just thought I'd see what you thought of them?

Tara

sags_3 · Post by **sags_3** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 4:58 am

The lafin headjoint is a pleasure to play. Large intervals are easier, the gold riser gives it a warmer tone and more resistance for more variety in tone. The only thing I have found is that the response is not as quick as silver, so will have to work on that. Overall...so many possibilities. Great for taking your playing that bit further.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 11:38 am

tarzaflute wrote:Hi, I noticed that you have a Lafin headjoint. I have heard some wonderful things about them lately and just thought I'd see what you thought of them?

Tara

The one thing I noticed in particular when playing Lafins is the colors....There are so many tonal possibilities available on them. They don't particularly suit my playing, but I wish they did, as their sound is amazing.