hey please comment. i recently got a solver plated flute, with a silver plated headjoint. i have the opportunnity to buy a solid silver hedjoint w gold lip plate. will this make any difference. { its not really necesarry because i love the sound i produce with my current one}..... thak you!!
There are many other threads you can find using the search function that discuss this sort of issue, but in general, yes, a solid silver head will sound "different" than a silver plated head, as least in my opinion.
I also believe there is a higher level of craftsmanship in a lot of solid silver heads, but this can be highly variable as well. Actually, it is a tricky question to answer. I'd much rather play a silver plated head from a world renound craftsman than a solid silver head from a mass-produced student flute manufacturer.
I believe oftentimes the differences between headjoint metals can be subtle, and some of these differences can be detected mostly by the player, while very little change is picked up on by the audience. But if the player hears these changes and likes them, they they can perform more confidently and better, thus giving a better performance. So, the improved tone and performance is not always neccessarily by virtue of the metal of the headjoint, but merely through the heightened confidence of the player.
I personally pick up on a different vibration, resonance if you will, depending on the metal of the headjoint/flute I'm playing on. I most prefer solid silver; it has a deep solid vibrational sensation without feeling too weighty. I also most prefer the sound I hear on a solid silver head. I could go on a whole dissertation on how different metals make me tick, but I won't bore you with the details... lol
In short, I would recommend trying both heads out to see what you prefer; sometimes the results can suprise you.
I remember a story about a really talented flute/headjoint maker who had raves about a particular headjoint from some of the big-name, top players at a clinic. The players all wanted a headjoint like this, and speculated about what it was made of...silver and platinum, or some other special mix?
The answer was melted-down saucepan.
If you get a good sound from the headjoint you have, and you like it, I would hesitate to get the gold-plated one.
First of all, there can be minor inconsistencies with the same cut/style from one headjoint to the next, and the new one might not be just exactly the same to you.
Second, the gold plating on the lipplate may be attractive now, but it will eventually (or quickly, if it is cheaply done) wear down to the silver underneath, and this is not very attractive.
Third, gold plating the lipplate alone (rather than gold on the riser in the embouchure hole) will not have an effect on the sound of the flute.
Two reasons to choose the gold plating would be a silver allergy or sensitivity, or you really love the look of the gold.
From my opinion and experiences, the difference between plated and solid material headjoints would be slight. I, personally, think that it's the embouchure/lip plate cut (blow hole) vs the materials more than anything. Anyone else agree or disagree?
"...i recently got a solver plated flute, with a silver plated headjoint. i have the opportunity to buy a solid silver headjoint w gold lip plate. will this make any difference. ..."
Irrespective of metal, if you current head is a well designed one, it will play well. If you get a solid gold one with diamonds over it, and the basic design is crap, then it will play like crap.
I agree with Micron, remember that any headjoint maker is in business to make money, so they will try to convince everyone how much better they will sound with their product...I know some terrible flute players that have been searching for years for the right flute...
searching...
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