Shortly after I started making piccolo headjoints, I was quickly asked if I was offering flute headjoints. My answer was always the same.
No!
I had already started to develop my line of piccolos at the time, and adding flute products to the mix was simply...
Too Much!
But that didn't keep me from scribbling in the backs of notebooks, because I am not one to back down from a challenge.
Then one day I was asked to overhaul a wood flute and yet again I was asked if I would make a new headjoint for it. This time?
I said yes!
At this point, I had already started to draw up some plans so I could make a flute headjoint for myself.
I always liked wood flutes, and like piccolos, I hadn't quite found 'my sound.'
All schools of flute making had their unique qualities, many of which I deeply admired.
But what I wanted was something that blended the best features of them all: the purity and ease of Asian flutes, the depth of color in European instruments, and the complexity and poise of the American school of flute-making.
I wanted it all!
Color: Solid and complex. A sound that is very flexible, easily transitioning from pure, to smokey. Clean, but with a side of grit when you want it.
Response: I want a headjoint that speaks easily, articulates cleanly, but has enough stability so that it won't crack when I push the limits.
Control: Like a car, I want an automatic transmission and cruise control. Set an intention, support with your air, and steer.
Playing should be easy!
Another Checklist of Sound
Flute Headjoints
The Pettry Flute headjoint is crafted from carefully seasoned hardwoods with a thin wall sterling silver tenon that fits all modern Boehm silver flutes, and many gold flutes. Flute headjoints are available in the following woods:
Grenadilla