Why Add Gold to Your Flute?
Choosing a flute or headjoint can quickly become a complex process, with many variables to consider. One of those factors is often whether or not to upgrade your flute with gold components. This article will lay out the most common reasons why flutists choose flutes or headjoints with gold.
Gold isn't just visually stunning; it offers distinct acoustic qualities that many players use to shape their signature sound.
The Sound
There are two main factors that affect the sound of a flute or headjoint: material and headjoint cut. (Of course, many other characteristics can make a big difference, but material and cut tend to have the biggest impact!)
Flutists often describe headjoint cuts on a scale of “free-blowing” to “resistant,” with “free-blowing” headjoint cuts often allowing for an open, flexible embouchure, and “resistant” headjoints requiring a more focused embouchure. Less resistant headjoints have become more and more popular, as they allow players to make big, full sounds. The downside of a free-blowing headjoint? They sometimes lack the color and finesse of more resistant headjoints. One way to balance things back out and add color to a free-blowing headjoint is by introducing elements of gold. Whether it’s a gold riser, lip plate, headjoint, or even a full gold body, adding gold can help a player produce a deeper, more colorful sound. Many flutists find that gold allows for more dynamic flexibility, increased projection, and greater control across the registers.
Headjoints
If you’re shopping for a headjoint, gold elements on the headjoint can make a big difference in the response and sound of the flute. A riser is the part of the headjoint that connects the lip plate to the headjoint tube. Because the riser is where the sound originates, the material used makes a huge impact on the sound of a headjoint; and since the riser is small, it’s relatively low-cost (especially when compared to a solid gold headjoint or flute!) A solid gold lip plate and riser is another common option. The added gold of a solid gold lip plate further enhances the effect of the riser. Lastly, some flutists consider gold-silver tubes or gold-silver alloys for their headjoint material, both of which can make a big difference in the sound and feel of the flute!
Flutes
If you are shopping for a new flute, consider gold tube/silver tube options, like Powell Aurumite or Haynes Fusion, which features a gold tube fused to a silver tube. Another option that combines gold and silver is a gold-silver alloy, like Haynes 5% gold. (Learn more about High-End Metals here.)
Gold is a popular choice for soloists looking to stand out, orchestral players who want to blend with warmth, or any musician searching for a more expressive, personal sound. If you’re ready to take your playing to the next level, consider exploring gold options for your flute. Sometimes, a touch of gold is all it takes to unlock new artistic possibilities.
Shop Flutes with a Gold Lip Plate
Leave a comment