Home » Flute: Historical and Interesting Facts » Custom Flute Headjoints

The Glissando Headjoint

Robert Dick’s sliding or “glissando” headjoint is one of the most amazing developments in the world of the flute headjoint. This will break your brain and get you thinking even more about your own flute sound.

Robert Dick plays “Sliding Life Blues”

Glissando Headjoint – Lesson (& Van Halen!)

What is a “custom” headjoint?

When we talk about “custom” headjoints, we are historically talking about a change of headjoint from the one that came with your flute. In the world of higher-end flute buying today, you are allowed to try a number of different headjoint designs offered by the flute company. You can then choose the one that suits you best. This alternate design or materials choice may up the cost of your new flute, but you get to make the match that is right for you.

A “custom” headjoint is also one that you choose for a flute that you own and have been playing for a while. You are actually buying a second headjoint. A custom headjoint really is the one that you get to choose for your style of playing or desired personal sound, which may have evolved over time and which is important as your musical voice.

Why buy a new headjoint?

Materials = Tone – Since silver and gold, platinum and wood, all of which are possible materials for headjoints, have such different properties, a headjoint made out of any of these will have a very different sound. Check for other amalgamated metals being used for tone and price point.

Musicality – When opting to change headjoints it may be because you are looking for a better low register or more flexibility. A choice to have more than one headjoint might be so you are able to choose which one to play depending on genre, ensemble and performance venue.

Plan to travel to a flute store, flute maker or flute show and try as many as you can. Only by trying will you know how this choice will affect your flute playing.

Here is a link to some in-depth headjoint features and purchase advice from Burkart Flutes & Piccolos:

Choosing the Right Headjoint

Wood Headjoints

The popularity of wood  headjoints has really grown over the last 40 years or so. Some of the makers include Powell and Drellinger. Historic ones are available for from makers like Flutemakers Guild – London and Alex Eppler – Seattle.

Here is a picture of a Powell wooden headjoint which was for sale on the Flute Center of New York website.

Here is a picture of a Drelinger wooden headjoint which was for sale on the Flute Center of New York website.

More information on wooden headjoints on the Drelinger Headjoints website.

Trying out a new Trevor James wooden headjoint.

Wooden Flute Headjoints | Completely Change Your Sound! | Mancke Headjoint Spotlight

Drelinger Headjoints     

“UpRight” Flute Headjoints – Vertical neck headjoint

This type of headjoint allows you to play with your flute in a downward position like a clarinet.  I have a friend who plays one due to a physical issue and she is so delighted that she can continue to play the flute!

The Drelinger website has a video of two flutists playing a movement of a Naudot piece both playing upright headjoints. You can see and hear the result.

Drelinger lip plate options:

Swan Neck Headjoint by Flutelab

There is no need to suffer while playing the flute. Let Flutelab ergonomical flute headjoints allow you to hold and play the flute in a way that is gentle to your body, while enjo­ying great sound.

Gold & Platinum Headjoints

Many, many flute makers offer gold and platinum headjoints.  There are also many available from flute dealers which are previously owned. 

You will have to do some of your own digging on this subject. Your google search will send you to information mostly on gold and platinum flutes. The descriptions of how the metal changes the sound of the instruments will apply to even just the change in the headjoint. Also check out information under buying a new flute. Many flutemakers’ websites will give you their descriptions on this topic.

Here is one video for you –

Gold Flute Headjoints!!

Silver Headjoints

Powell Flutes provides an example of the many silver headjoint designs available today:

“The most important part of the flute, a hand-cut headjoint, can improve any instrument and can offer a player many new options for sound and response. Each handmade Powell headjoint is cut by hand and tested by a professional flutist at our workshop.”

Verne Q. Powell Flutes – Boston, MA

Powell flutes currently has many styles of head joints on their website with pictures and descriptions.

• The Philharmonic –… iconic Powell sound, rich and deep…
• The Soloist – …wide range of dynamics and characteristics…
• The Venti  – …the powerhouse of  Powell headjoint offerings…
• The Lumina – …style and panache…supple yet responsive…

Burkhart Flutes & Piccolos’ Headjoints

Burkhart Flutes & Piccolos offers two different styles of flute headjoint with the following options:

• 14K Riser with Silver Lip-plate
• Platinum Riser with Silver Lip-plate
• Gold Crown or Lillian Burkhart Deluxe Crown enhanced with gemstones
• Lip-plate Engraving (example shown below)

The best thing to do is get out to your local flute club commercial member event or get to the National Flute Association’s Annual Convention and spend some time playing all the different headjoints on your own flute. Might want to take some money with you!! (HaHa)