Pros versus Amateurs: FINAL CHAPTER.

Oh, my word, I put my big foot into my (even bigger) mouth again.

I have no idea why I keep harping on that tired, old subject. I realize it’s redundant.

Anyway, I think I need to have my meds changed.

I must have positioned myself as the marquisate of the forum (or is it the Marquis de Sade?). Maybe too many of my toys were taken away when I was a child or something. But I see my shrink tomorrow, and I promise to behave on the forum, in the future.

I DID get a responsible, well placed, articulate and excellent rebuttal from (I think Ann): who said that: “there are many talented “amateurs” out there, who could very well get a job with a symphony”; and further goes on to say: “they simply might have chosen a different path in their artistic endeavors, such as teaching, etc”.

Well said, and I couldn’t agree more.

Further, I’ll bet that there are many members of this forum who are VERY talented. It’s just that, for some reason or another, I’m “hung-up” on names. I will agree, in principle, that that is irresponsible of me, because I’m disregarding the many talented amateurs out there, who “didn’t make the cut” --- or “chose NOT to”, for (whatever) reason(s). But COULD have.

As far as “bragging” about my 4 teachers; I think this is misunderstood. WHO CARES whether you studied one teacher or 100? THAT is no proof of how well one ends up playing! I only ever brought it up in that I THOUGHT it might lend some credence to some of my posts --- but in the end, it means nothing --- and I’ll be the first to admit it.

OH, MY WORD ----I just spotted Kara at my front door, and she’s got Micron guarding my back door in case I try to make a break for it. Kara’s holding something metal and glittering in her hand --- and I don’t think it’s a flute.

I’m running to my bedroom and lock the door …….

Talk to you all, later (IF I’m still around).

Jim Millen

Ann:

It's YOU on the walkie talkie --- I thought it was Micron!

Kara's out to get me, and I'm scared.

Jim

Jim, I thought I was pretty nice to you? Why so scared? I don't understand why you keep writing these things. I know I can get moody at times... but?? If you should be scard of anyone, it should be Micron! EEEKKK!!

Hey Ann... give me back my walkie talkie!!!

DEAREST Kara:

You have to forgive my sardonic sense of humor.

The ONLY reason I say "afraid" is that I respect your knowledge of flute makes, models and head-joints.

You know more than I've ever learned. I NEVER knew (nor was I ever told) that head-joints CAN make a BIG difference in the sound of the flute.??

I want to buy a Yamaha, but have read on previous posts, that their head-joints are "suspect"?

The question I wanted to ask is: are all head-joints compatible with (the body and foot-joint) of OTHER flutes, or do they have to be customized, to fit?

While I appreciate that this might well have been discussed in previous posts --- there are, at last count, some 150 posts to review, and I don't know if I'll be "around" that long to review them. (Cackle, cackle).

Thanks so much: Jim

Headjoints will vary in size, but can in most cases be fitted to your flute. It is best to try and find out if you have a .014, .015, .016, .018 etc wall of flute and try to get the same wall thickness headjoint to try out on it so that you know it will come close to fitting. Some people like thinner wall headjoints and have them expanded to fit their thicker wall flute and vise versa. The options are endless. I have a standard wall .016 flute and have not run into many problems with fits when trying out headjoints.

If the headjoint is loose that you are trying out, then that is an easy fix. Just add some tape to the tenon of the headjoint. I like to use either packaging tape or metallic tape found in the hardware section. Some people will suggest plumbers tape, but I don't as I find it hard to work with and it peels and shreds.

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PS. If you knew the history between Micron and I then you would most likely laugh that you would suggest that we would collaborate against you. lol!

Thank you for the info, Kara.

I'm so glad that we're speaking, again.

Also, you have to appreciate my sardonic sense of humor. Not everyone of the forum does.

I DO thank you for the info on head-joints.

Finally, what do you think of a "hybrid" flute --- Yamaha body and (whatever) head-joint?

I do like the feel, response and sonority I got from the Yamaha, but as said on previous posts, their head-joints are "suspect". I just wonder if you agree?

Best Regards always: Jim

again, putting in my 2 cents...

im not kara (obviously). im currently shopping for a new headjoint for my muramatsu ds. i dont like my stock headjoint and im looking at a burkart (to the point where i have it on trial from flute world) headjoint. i also recommend that you go to flute world or flute specialists when looking for your headjoint. i believe you said you were located in chicago? farmington hills and clawson michigan seems a bit closer to try out a variety of different instruments than new york city... also, if youre looking at a yamaha, you may enjoy playing a variety of other japanese made instruments. personally, i dont like yamaha. i did enjoy the miyazawa and muramatsu (since i own a muramatsu, duh).

i hope i helped you at all. good luck!

What are you going to do with your old Powell?

He is going to give it to me of coure, his favorite person! haha!

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Jim,
You have already had wonderful answers from our other fantastic and knowledgeable forum members. I completely agree with what has said, except I love Yamaha flutes. I do think that you should try other flutes if you get a chance too. I know your heart is set on a Yamaha, but you may find one that blows you away even more.

I hardly ever play the original headjoint that come on any of the flutes that I own or have owned in the past. A headjoint is like a pair of comfortable slippers that has to fit you perfect. You may find that you love the body of a particular flute, but find a different make of headjoint that fits you and the body better than the original one. So there is nothing wrong with changing out headjoints. I think it is the best way to go personally.

By the way, I never stopped talking to you, I just get busy from time to time :)