Does the Cut of Your Lip Plate Make a Difference on a Professional Silver Flute - FCNY Sponsored

The Flute Center of New York sent me 2 beautiful Powell hand-cut sterling silver headjoints to compare the cuts of their lip plates. One headjoint has the Venti cut, the other has the Philharmonic cut. Both have a 14K gold lip plate and riser.
I compared them on the same gorgeous Powell handmade custom flute in sterling silver.
But can you hear the difference? How much resistance do you prefer?
Listen in as I comment on what I hear and feel as I play on each of these headjoints.
Have fun!
DoctorFlute
Read my Blog on this topic:
Does the Cut of Your Lip Plate Make a Difference on a Professional Flute?
doctorflute.co...
Here are links to the flute and headjoints demonstrated in this video:
Verne Q. Powell Handmade Custom Flute in Sterling Silver
Sterling silver body and mechanism, Powell pinless mechanism, soldered silver tone holes, silver rings, ribs, and posts, French (open hole) model, pointed key arms, white gold springs, Straubinger pads, .016” standard wall tubing, modern Powell scale, offset G, C# trill, D# roller, B footjoint. Handmade in USA.
flutecenter.co...
Powell Custom Headjoint in Sterling Silver- Sterling silver tube, 14K gold lip plate and riser, .016” standard wall tubing. Venti cut & Philharmonic cut. Handmade in USA.
flutecenter.co...
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Thank you, Flute Center of New York, for sponsoring this video.
Does the Cut of Your Lip Plate Make a Difference on a Professional Silver Flute - FCNY Sponsored
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[@potapotapotapotapotapota]

I wonder what cut my current flute is. I assume the flute maker's all use the same terminology. I have a Pearl Elegante PF-795 which originally cost about $7000. My guess is that it has a philharmonic cut. I've never liked playing on it. I've tried other flutes before and I know that my flute has terrible responsiveness. But damn... when I'm having a good day I sound amazing.

[@DoctorFlute]

That means you have the best head joint for you. I do believe that every flute maker has their own terminology for how the head joint is cut. It might mean the same thing but I don't believe they call it the same.

[@LibbyLunn-xo5zd]

Some days my riser in my mouth peice works with my lips then some days going on how I feel it works better on a plain Jane head joint. But yes it all matters.

[@DoctorFlute]

Ah yes, those changeable embouchure muscles!

[@LibbyLunn-xo5zd]

But if you raise your top lip just a littler you can make those high notes speak with or without a riser.

[@DoctorFlute]

Well there is always a riser attaching the lip plate to the head joint. So I’m not sure what you mean?

[@potapotapotapotapotapota]

I would love to know which cut would be best for your goals as a flute player, it seems it would be a very complicated topic that would require understanding of maths and biomechanics

[@DoctorFlute]

That is true and also why there are so many head joint makers and choices. It is really about preference. For me, I am looking to expand my tone and also to give it a more edgy sound.

[@dcallan812]

Very nice sound from both of them, I never really thought of head joint trails. I prefer the second head it has that darker tone to t he mid lower range. Great playing 2x👍 I had 2 flutes on trail and bought one, a Trevor James Performer copper alto. I found it reasonably easy to switch I'm working on the upper register but the mid and lower sound really nice and solid. Its less resistance, but more air.

[@DoctorFlute]

They definitely are both quite nice. Thanks for the input. I agree with you. I bet the TJ alto is beautiful!

[@renespencer7428]

I enjoyed both headjoints, but felt that you sounded even better on the second one. The clear, sparkling tone really suited you.

[@DoctorFlute]

Thanks! I love your input!

[@gabrielgutierrez8690]

Are you able to try the new Powell 1927 cut? It’d be interesting to see your take on that next to the Philharmonic :)

[@DoctorFlute]

Hi Gabriel, I'll check into that cut. I don't think I've tried it yet.

[@robertzsombok7661]

Hi Angela! I love when you compare flutes and headjoints and evaluate the differences. Very interesting!

[@DoctorFlute]

Glad you liked it! Thanks Robert!

[@danicampbell402]

I agree. I have worked with my philharmonic headjoint for awhile to get the colours. I think it worth the effort because of the sound quality. It is definitely a personal choice.

[@DoctorFlute]

So true. You have to work with a head joint on your on flute body to really know what it is capable of. What type of flute do you have?

[@danicampbell402]

@@DoctorFlute when I retired I bought myself a lovely Powell. I’m an adult non-professional player but have loved flute since I started playing at 14. Such a treat to play now.

[@LibbyLunn-xo5zd]

Yes it all matters

[@DoctorFlute]

I agree!

[@pbnj4lyfe298]

Philharmonic sounds best! I would like you to review the Soloist and the 1927 headjoints. Great review on these two headjoints though!

[@DoctorFlute]

Thanks! I don't know the 1927 head joints, I'll have to check them out.

[@meriharary]

I own a Powell Aurumite. I got the flute with a Philharmonic head joint and liked it. But Powell for free for a year, sent me any head joint I wanted. I tried a venti but liked the philharmonic better. Then I tried the soloist head joint and felt it was the most resonant and I kept it.

[@DoctorFlute]

Wow, very nice deal with Powell. I think that is amazing for you to find the absolute correct head joint for you.

[@teresarusch4596]

Philharmonic❤. I love the darkness and openness of the sound. The Venti is very nice, but the Philharmonic sounds like you may have more options. . ,

[@DoctorFlute]

Interesting perspective. Love it!

[@PDX_videographer]

Agree with the comments of others - the second head joint liked you better 🌝. Would love to see a video explaining more on what the various head joint cuts do among the various brands. More about how lip plate angles and inside wall affect sound. This video explained so much that I did not know.

[@DoctorFlute]

Great ideas, I'll put those suggestions on my next list of filming!

[@Xingqiwu387]

Wonderful review again from Doctor Flute. I love the Powell + the Philharmonic h.j. Beautiful!

[@DoctorFlute]

I agree, that Powell is beautiful!

[@markruby2434]

The philharmonic joint sounds much wider and more resonant. The venti cut sounds thin and narrow. I have played the flute for many years and even though this is a recording it is obvious.

[@DoctorFlute]

Cool! I agree!

[@TracyKMainwaring]

My Pearl flute’s headjoint is similar to the first one you tried (based on your description of the sharp drop off) and I love it, but I didn’t love your sound on that first one. Interesting. Maybe you need more time with it?

[@DoctorFlute]

True or the first one is not the right head for my embouchure. But you are right in that sometimes you just need more time to figure it out.

[@marshatomkins7989]

I also prefer the second head joint, but then I play on a 1972 Haynes handmade, so I’m used to a very dark sound. Thanks!

[@DoctorFlute]

oo la la! I bet that flute is fantatstic!

[@michaelschonauer7238]

Definitely the Philharmonic cut. More body to the sound, very rich and clear.

[@DoctorFlute]

I agree!

[@mangogrower5426]

Hi Angela. I am thinking about a new head joint for my 100 year-old Haynes. I really liked the Philharmonic sound better. I have always struggled with my tone on this flute and often I have felt like I am fighting with it to get the sound I want. Could a different head joint really make a difference? I am eager to find out. Thank you 🙏. Michael

[@DoctorFlute]

Absolutely Mango! I think the only issue is finding a head joint that fits (bore size) your Haynes. I think you could find a head joint that would make an absolute world of difference. Keep me posted on what you decide to do.

[@mangogrower5426]

Thank you so much for your reply Angela. I was in touch with Flute World and told them the outside diameter of my existing head joint is .781 inch. I haven’t heard back about a headjoint that might work. I sent a message to The Flute Center and am waiting on a reply. I am very excited at this possibility for my playing. I have worked on many of your techniques of playing through notes that give me trouble by starting at a note higher or lower and carefully keeping my positions with hands and embouchure constant. This really does help me. Thank you 🙏. I look forward to letting you know how my search is going. Also, playing Baroque is a great idea for practicing my middle register. Thank you 😊. Michael

[@DoctorFlute]

Great! I do hope that you can find a headjoint that will be a game changer for you. I am so glad that some of my videos have helped you. I look forward to the time you tell me you have a great new headjoint!