I play an older Yamaha 481 that came with a Sterling Silver Yamaha headjoint, but there is no marking on it near the crown nor near the logo indicating the cut and taper (e.g., CY or EC). Since I bought it used, I'm not sure how old the flute is or if it is the original headjoint.

Does the 481 come with a student model silver headjoint? If so, is the cut and taper equivalent to any of those listed on Yamaha's website, or is it completely different?

Does anyone own a 481 that came with a headjoint (the original one, of course) that indicated the cut and taper? Or is yours the same as mine -- no indication whatsoever?

Thank you!

The 481 comes with a CY head.

Thanks, Kara!

What about my other question: Should the headjoint that came with my 481 indicate the cut and taper (CY)? Or is CY just the "default" if there is no other marking.

CY is just the default. It's the same head that comes on the 200 series instruments, but made of sterling rather than plate. These heads are not usually marked.