headjoints for skinny flutes

azalma · Post by **azalma** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:18 am

I was wondering if anyone has had experience in purchasing a headjoint for flutes with barrels less than .014. My Haynes was made in the 1980s and has this size barrel and I have never loved the headjoint. I was set on trying some Powell aurumite headjoints in particular but they are all standardized to .014 or .016. The only ones I have been able to find have been a David Williams with 14k riser and gold lip plate and a Goosman butterfly headjoint all silver and I am not ready to purchase either one yet. What have people tried that they love that might fit into a variable barrel that is less than .014? I am not sure a gold head joint is in my price range (although I know they will fit at .012) but I might consider it... Any suggestions, what have you tried in gold or otherwise that will fit?

Arianna · Post by **Arianna** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:03 am

What about contacting some smaller headjoint makers. Two years ago I bought an Emmanuel headjoint. He had me have my headjoint measured before he made/sent me some trials. He was amazing to work with! But, I imagine you will get a more personalized approach through smaller flute/head makers. Now that I got a new flute, I use both my Emmanuel and the new Powell Aurumite heads regularly! Emmanuel heads have a beautiful sweet sound with easy high notes. I added a gold riser which kept the sweetness but added a much more powerful sound that I like.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:04 am

Depending on your price range, most makers will make a headjoint to fit your flute, some for no additional charge. I have a David Williams head on my Haynes (early 70's model) and I love it. Of the ones I tried, I chose one without a gold riser because it just fit both me and the flute well. Mr. Williams actually made a headjoint for one of my colleagues to fit her Yamaha flute, with no obligation to buy (which she did and loves it). I am sure other makers would be willing to accommodate this as well.

Also contact companies like Flute World that have many used headjoints in stock. You may find something older that makes for a good match.

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:19 am

Headjoints are a personal preference.

I have a 14K Williams headjoint for my 1972 Haynes which works well for me. It projects really well (especially the low register) which is needed when one plays principal flute in a community orchestra where the strings can't play softly. It was loose so Carolyn Nussbaum had to burnish it to fit.

I do know that the Williams headjoints did not work well for Sidekicker who also has a vintage Haynes.

Zevang · Post by **Zevang** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 3:07 pm

About Emmanuel headjoints and Mr.Emmanuel himself (Boston), I only have good things to say.
One of my "author" headjoints was made by this fantastic person. I had an almost dead 30+ year old Muramatsu alive again and singing as never before with one of his masterpieces.
I strongly recommend making contact with him (with a little patience, because he is really a busy man).
Though, if possible, I also recommend you to try playing first.
As said before, it's a very individual experience.

Arianna · Post by **Arianna** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:49 pm

I am so happy to hear someone else had a wonderful experience with Emmanuel! He is great! He sent me 3 heads to try and then I picked from there

There was no pressure from him.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:09 pm

cflutist wrote:
I do know that the Williams headjoints did not work well for Sidekicker who also has a vintage Haynes.

I'm sure he'll chime in, but I know he's been busy. He had a 14k Brannen head on a vintage thin wall Haynes. However, at the NFA Convention in Kansas City (2008), he purchased a new 14k Brannen. I was fortunate enough to meet him and hear him play. He sounds magnificent on his new Brannen.

I'm sure he could tell you all about things dealing with thin wall Haynes. (At least I think he said his Haynes was thin wall...) :

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