Improved Flute

„I’ve experienced a previously unknown side of music since I first started to use the reformed flute head. My flute is brighter and softer. As the sound is released on each side, the flute sounds fuller, more charming and powerful in each register. It is much easier to start notes or play staccato – even in case of small h. Intonation and phonation are effortless.

Being a flutist with braces, I have had to make extra efforts to balance out negative effects caused by the extra gaps among the small metal pieces. My artistic toolset is much wider, my music is richer. I can only recommend the innovative flute head to everyone, who would like to experience music at a higher level.

„I’ve used the improved flute head for 3 months now. With these applied changes a new, upgraded instrument was born. It gives me confidence – I know I can play extreme dynamics with great quality. Phonation is easier, tone is charming, there are no glitches. With the help of the revolutionary interior extensions, the flute head can be customized as per the artist’s needs.”

Traditional flutes could never have been customized to such an extent before: it has become just as easy as changing the different mouthpieces of a clarinet or a trumpet. Flutes boosted like this fit more the flautists’ needs and artistic preparedness.

During the innovation project I have tested the new inserts of Mr. Zoltán Lakat and Tamás Horváth several times. I can affirm that the invention does have a positive influence on the timbre of the instrument. This influence depends on the material (the inserts can be made of different metals, woods and bones), the shape and depth of the hollow on the insert, and how these different parameters are combined. These different combinations impact the volume, the sound, the dynamic balance of high and deep tones, intonation of different shifts, and how the notes are started (reaction time). I would like to highlight one important characteristic: the deepest notes sound lighter, cleaner and more powerful. Each flautist can find the headjoint they need, based on their individual style and taste, from the several available variants.

„I added a new headjoint made of 14 carat gold and zirconium alloy and a silver crown with a 14 carat golden membran to my Pearl flute 6 months ago. Since then my flute’s sound is higher and wider. Improved and more dynamic performance leads me to the freedom of musical expression. Pianos are softer, fortes are more intense and powerful, while the brightness and fullness of the sound remains unchanged. Intonation is stable. Phonation is effortless, articulation of low notes is easy. The flute sounds warm and natural in each register. I was inspired by the countless new opportunities offered by these creative, brand-new inserts.

Those who seek to improve their instrument should definitely try the reformed flutehead. The manufacturers can satisfy any individual request, as there is a wide variety of materials and alloys available.”

I chose a bronze tuning plug for my Sankyo instrument, which made the instrument intonation even more stable. It also gave me a noble light to the full range of sound that immediately convinced me. The deep register is noticeably more full-bodied, while the former raw color has become brilliant. Double tongue play is not dry, but bay sound. I chose a thick silver membrane for the zirconium corona plug, so this triple combination helps to create a universal sound that enriches my play, playing a romantic or 20th century piece, while also giving the 18th century repertoire a more eloquent and intimate sound.

„With the improved headjoint it has become easier to play the flute, especially during prolonged rehersals. It takes less effort to play forte. Pianos can be started softer in the third register. I used to have minor issues with launching D1 and C1 with fortissimo. These have been eliminated totally. More powerful sound with great quality – using less energy. Less intonation, clear closing, beautiful pianos – it has worked for me!”

„I heard about the new improved headjoint first in 2018. I’ve had my doubts in the beginning, just as everyone else, however, already the first try has proven its positive effects. Softer, more charming and more dynamic sound and easier phonation. Notes are launched much quicker, the lower register sounds nicer. It took me long to make up my mind which variation to chose. In the end I picked a crown made of brass-titanium alloy. Even with the new headjoint you still have to practice a lot 😉 , but the desired intonation is just a „crown” away. Its biggest advantage is that you have almost an infinite variety of different materials. I wish everyone would find their beloved one.”

„I was really cautious when I first bought my precious ebony tuning plug, but it has been a great help since I had it. This revolutionary head enhanced the sound of my instrument to an extent which was noticeable even for my audience. The overall sound is shinier and fuller. Though we still have to practice a lot, with the help of this improvement basics like phonation are much easier, in any register. It improves the overall quality, and it is easier to play in the third register. And so on. To sum it up, it has become an even greater pleasure to play music. I give my highest recommendation, without any doubt.”

„I’ve used a silver-zirconium stopper since February 2019. Right after the first try I’ve already had positive experience – it was easier to start and finish sounds with less air. The lower register sounds rich and wonderful. Overall the flute sounds brighter and shinier. Even my audience has noticed these improvements.

Since I can play with less effort, I started to enjoy music more and more. I recommend trying several stopper combinations, since they can be customized as per individual needs.

I am sincerely thankful for this opportunity.”

I have been practicing using the cocobolo stopper only for months now – from Bach’s sophisticated techniques to the modern composers’ technically challenging plays, including techniques like multiphonies or frullato. With this stopper notes can be started much quicker which is a significant advantage when playing staccato. Due to the new structure of the flute intonation is not an issue any more. There is a wider dynamic range – from contra H to four-lined F – the extended scale has many options if we want to use different tones. How the artist uses these depends on their conscious choice. Multiphonies, frullato are effortless, even in the lower register.When using this innovative cocobolo stopper I have the feeling that notes have more space – both timbre and tone are fuller, richer. These extras disappear when switching back to the original stopper.

  I’ve installed both pieces on my flute, it took less then two minutes. Thank you for the detailed information.

And now my flute sounds great!  It’s like I bought a new one.

I have always had problems with it, always feeling that it doesn’t receive enough air, always going over the sound, trying to get a louder tune. Not anymore! I couldn’t be more happy. The lower register sounds rich and wonderful. Everything is much easier now. The hole sound of the flute changed for the better. I will definitely recommend it.

Thank you again, for everything! I truly congratulate you for this amazing idea! Hope everything goes well for you!

I bought a zirconium tuning plug for my Sankyo silver flute and a silver crown plug with an 18 carat gold diaphragm. During my exercises, I found that my instrument has an order of magnitude more beautiful, larger sound, and it plays with ease, which has taken a lot of work and time so far! Thanks!!!

With these new stoppers we can produce a much charming sound. As the new inserts intensify the virtues of the classic Boehm flute, they make it also easier to play the instrument. Flautists can concentrate more on the music and its artistic preparation. You simply choose a stopper most fit your style, and enjoy, how easy it is to play the flute.