When looking at an upgrade for an individual or a student, lots of people (understandably!) have the same question: what really makes a better flute, well, better? There are a myriad of materials, key options, and other features to consider when purchasing your next flute, so I wanted to take a couple of weeks here on the blog to get back to basics about some of the most important upgrade features. First up is the addition of a silver headjoint.
Headjoints made with silver tubing are the most popular option when looking at intermediate flutes and up, with or without a silver body–this really depends on the family budget and will be covered in a couple of weeks. Most silver used in headjoint making is sterling silver, or 92.5% pure silver. Silver tends to have a brilliant or a bright sound. There are widely varying opinions on the most important factors to consider when upgrading an instrument, so I will offer mine, both as a flute player and seller. I believe that a silver headjoint is the single most important upgrade feature on a flute, provided that the body is otherwise of quality construction and in good playing condition. The headjoint is the part of the flute that resonates the most and is where the player’s sound is originating from, and the addition of sterling silver for that portion of the tube truly does, in my opinion, make a world of difference.
Of course, the materials upgrade is not the only thing that makes an upgraded flute “sing” more. All intermediate flutes that the IFS carries are also hand finished by a professional and play tested. Want to come hear the difference for yourself? Call Erin!