Q.
What made Drelinger want to design a headjoint to make the flute
play vertically?
A. Over the years Drelinger Headjoint Company has always worked
through research and development to improve headjoints. There
have been many areas of unchartered exploration in which we have
innovated. Some new designs proved very popular while others have
met limited needs. Potential popularity has always been secondary
to the sheer delight of doing what has never been done before.
For years we have observed that some flutists have physical
difficulties playing the transverse flute. From time to time we
have been approached to design a vertical headjoint which would
overcome these problems. Most were looking for a quick fix or
something we could develop in a matter of weeks or months. As it
turned out our final vertical headjoint design took nearly five
years from inception. There were literally hundreds of
experiments in the development of our learning curve. Historical
concepts of end blown vertical headjoint design had to be
discarded as they proved inadequate considering that our goal was
to develop a headjoint that produces tone as beautifully and
easily as the modern transverse type. There were many encouraging
break throughs along the way, but when you come right down to it,
there is nothing like long term tedious experimentation in
seeking out the best ideas. To our great delight, what we finally
developed is a headjoint that has a sound potential exceeding our
most optimistic expectations. And as it turned out the UpRite has
a variety of important benefits we never anticipated when be
began its development.
Q. How easy is it to learn to play the flute vertically?
A. There is no doubt many will immediately learn to play the
vertical flute while others will have to take their time. It
takes effort to absorb any new learning experience, even if it
instantly appears that it has tremendous potential. Playing your
flute vertically with the UpRite headjoint is considerably easier
and less stressful than playing it in its normal transverse
position. Unfortunately because the UpRite is so easy to play, it
requires unlearning some of the physical compensation needed for
the standard flute. It is conceivable that when you first try the
UpRite it will feel quite strange and unlike the playing
experience you are normally accustomed to. However, once you feel
at home with UpRite’s ease of playing and beautiful sound it
should prove extremely satisfying as all your flute playing
skills happen more naturally.
Q. Can I use exactly the same fingerings when I play the
UpRite as I do when I play my standard transverse set up?
A. Yes, you use exactly the same fingerings. In fact because your
flute is now vertical you can actually see your fingers on the
keys so that you have total visual contact with your instrument
while playing.
Q. Does Drelinger’s vertical flute combination sound
the same to the player as the regular transverse type?
A. Yes, it basically sounds the same with a minor variation.
Since the UpRite’s playing position places it equally
between both ears, the player will hear a more centered sound
emanating from the instrument. This difference is easy to become
accustomed to as the UpRite’s sound will be perfectly
balanced and more immediate to the player.
Q. Will Drelinger’s UpRite sound any different to
the listener than the same flute body being played with a
transverse head?
A. There are subtle differences in sound between a flute played
with its standard transverse headjoint and the same body being
played with Drelinger’s UpRite headjoint. Many listeners
have commented that the UpRite has a richer, fuller sound as well
as superior projection. However, there is no universal agreement
on these points as some people hear no difference while a few may
prefer the standard transverse set up. In support of those who
have commented on the UpRite’s superior projection it is
believed that this occurs because the entire flute sits directly
in front of and reflects sound off of the player’s body.
Once again individual taste is a great variable in defining the
qualities you find appealing after you have played or listened to
the UpRite for yourself.
Q. Can you explain what accessories come with the UpRite
and what does each do?
A. We have a number of snap-on supports that temporarily affix to
the flute’s body so that you can more easily play the
Uprite. For the index finger of the left hand there is a
cushioned rest as well as a separate crutch for the thumb. For
the right hand we offer a snap-on thumb rest providing a
comfortable means of supporting the entire instrument while
holding it freely. The most functional attachment is the BOOTTM. It fits on the end
of the footjoint and provides support of the entire instrument by
allowing it to rest on your lap. The BOOT also has an extension
which like a cello peg allows the player to support the
instrument on the floor while either playing seated or standing.
All of these attachments are meant to free the player so that his
or her hands achieves optimum relaxation while executing the most
difficult technical passages. Remember, the more comfortable and
relaxed you are while performing the more you are likely to
express every musical nuance.
Q. How does one remove moisture from the UpRite’s
curved bore?
A. We supply a specially designed silk swab to clear moisture and
dirt from the inside of your UpRite headjoint.
Q. Can the UpRite also be used as a conventional
transverse headjoint?
A. Yes. In situations where the UpRite’s vertical design is
inappropriate it can be easily converted to a standard transverse
headjoint. The UpRite’s transverse tube section containing
the lip plate and cork assembly is separate and detachable from
its vertical section called the ParabolicWaveGuideTM. This transverse
section can be alternately attached to a transverse extension
tube converting the UpRite into a conventional transverse
headjoint. When converted the UpRite looks and plays like any
conventional model headjoint we make. Having this dual option is
very important as it makes it possible to use the UpRite in any
conceivable musical setting as your principle headjoint.
Q. Is the UpRite available with all the same lip plate
configurations as the Drelinger transverse headjoints?
A. Yes, we offer all the same features and innovations including
the Max, Free-Flo, Modern Wing, Gold-Air-Reed and
Platinum-Air-Reed, Karritium as well as most metals that we offer
on our other headjoint designs.
Q. How is the UpRite fitted to my flute?
A. Because of the UpRite’s unique construction its tenon is
designed to be custom machined to precisely fit your flute’s
body barrel. When the UpRite is delivered to you it will
perfectly fit your flute. If you later decide to change flute
bodies this custom made tenon can be easily replaced with a new
one. This assures that you can play your UpRite on any flute body
you either own now or plan to purchase in the future.
Q. Are there any world class flutists going to use the
UpRite headjoint to perform?
A. Yes. We are in the process of assembling a group of some of
the world’s finest flutists to record a series of CDs using
the UpRite exclusively. These recordings will include a large
variety of music covering many facets of classical and popular
music. We want passionate music lovers to hear the world’s
great flute repertoire played on the UpRite by those who are most
capable of bringing out its extraordinary qualities. We are
confident that once these recordings are widely heard the
UpRite’s unique beauty will become evident along with the
experience of listening to pure joyful music. Any new musical
instrument even if its a variation on the tried and proven
traditional modern flute must be exposed to the widest audience
possible in order to gain acceptance and a following.
Summaries of flutists'
comments
during development of the UpRite
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Headjoint Q&A
and information about Drelinger headjoints
phone 1-800- 426-9832, fax 1-914-946-6522,
e-mail sd@drelinger.com
or write Drelinger Headjoint Co., P.O. Box 146,
N. White Plains, New York 10603.
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