Most Commonly Asked Questions
page 2

14. - Can a headjoint that plays well in either the low or high register play as well in all registers?

15. - What is usually done to a headjoint when the entire flute is overhauled?

16. - I have a rose gold lip plate on my headjoint, and it sometimes leaves a slight stain on the area where it contacts my chin.

17. - How long does it take to hand-make a headjoint?

18. -Is a separate carrying case necessary for a headjoint?

19. -It seems that each manufacturer has its own unique way of describing its headjoint models. Can l really get an idea of a headjoint's suitability from these various descriptions?

20. -Many flute companies offer a choice of headjoints with their flutes. Is this basically the same as what Drelinger offers?

21. -In answer to my wish list for the ideal headjoint, my local music dealer said, "If you want to play softly in the third octave, have maximum projection, and a quick, dark sound, you must purchase at least three different models of headjoints," Do you agree?

22. -Is purchasing a mail order headjoint by telephone a good way to buy?

23. - Does Drelinger Headjoint Company offer exchanges?

24. -Do you offer a credit purchase plan if I sellect a headjoint, but cannot afford to pay for it totally right now?

25. - Wood Headjoints Q & A

14.- Can a headjoint that plays well in either thelow or high register play as well in all registers? Yes. A correctly made and matched headjoint should play equally well throughout all the octaves. If someone suggests that you settle for less, he or she probably is not acquainted with Drelinger headjoints. Back to Question - Top of page

15.- What is usually done to a headjoint whenthe entire flute is overhauled? Overhauling a headjoint usually involves some necessary procedures combined with discretionary ones. The head-cork should be replaced after two to five years of use because these corks deteriorate with use and time. To replace the head-cork correctly, requires a special skill considerably more painstaking than replacing a pad. Tarnish and dirt build-up on both the inside and outside surfaces of the headjoint should be cleaned manually using special non-abrasive metal cleaners and soft cloths. Under no circumstances should machine buffing be used on the embouchure plate, especially around the blow hole. Such machine polishing alters, to some degree, the critical areas so vital to the production of sound. Headjoint dents should only be removed at our factory, using the forming arbor on which your headjoint was originally produced. One of the most common automatic adjustments made during an overhaul is to tighten the headjoint's fit. If you are satisfied with this fit prior to the overhaul, let the repair person know in advance. Drelinger Headjoint Company offers a special overhaul service for our customers. For a fee, we will meticulously perform these specialized procedures on headjoints we produced.

Note: If you have any doubt whatsoever about your repairman's understanding of the care of your Drelinger headjoint, do not leave it with your flute when it is given for repair or overhaul. Back to Question - Top of page

16.- I have a rose gold lip plate on my headjoint,and it sometimes leaves a slight stain on the area where it contacts my chin. The rose (pink) golds are rich in copper which is responsible for its color. Infrequently, it is reported they leave a discoloration or even exude a faint copper-like taste or smell. To avoid this potential problem, I prefer to use yellow gold for my lip plates which appears to be free of these reported reactions. I also offer Gold-Lip® which is pure gold, topically applied to silver and pink gold lip plates. Back to Question- Top of page

17.- How long does it take to hand-makea headjoint? I do not know how long it takes other makers to create their headjoints, but for us it takes 4 to 5 working days of skilled labor from the beginning to delivery to hand-make one silver headjoint. The very large selection we have on hand has been built Up over several years. When a headjoint is sold, its type is made again for inventory. Back to Question- Top of page

18.- Is a separate carrying case necessaryfor a headjoint? Yes, so you can store your original headjoint or simply carry an extra headjoint, in addition to the one in your flute case. At no extra charge Drelinger Headjoint Company includes a velvet lined carrying case with every flute headjoint sold. Back to Question - Top of page

19.- It seems that each manufacturer has its ownunique way of describing its headjoint models. Can l really get an idea of a headjoint's suitability from these various descriptions? No detail by itself can give much information unless you understand the interaction between all the vital features. When understood in relation to each other, wall height, blowhole shape and size, and under and over cutting, as well as a myriad of other equally important dimensions help explain the acoustical, ergonomic, and musical make-up of a headjoint. I prefer to describe the complete make-up of a headjoint's critical features in terms of the words, "voicing structure". Back to Question - Top of page

20.- Many flute companies offer a choiceof headjoints with their flutes. Is this basically the same as what Drelinger offers? No. For example, let's say you need a pair of eye glasses. You have two alternatives to pursue in order to see properly. The first is to try an over-the-counter pair at a drug store and hope it offers some improvement. The second and most effective alternative is to be examined by an ophthalmologist and have the exact glasses prescribed so you can see optimally. I am like the ophthalmologist in that I offer a personalized service and a custom product. Back to Question- Top of page

21. - In answer to my wish list for the ideal headjoint,my local music dealer said, "If you want to play softly in the third octave, have maximum projection, and a quick, dark sound, you must purchase at least three different models of headjoints," Do you agree? No. One Drelinger model can satisfy all your requirements and give a multitude of other benefits you can not get with an over-the counter headjoint. Back to Question- Top of page

22.- Is purchasing a mail order headjointby telephone a good way to buy? No. There is no substitute for working with me in person and choosing from the largest selection available anywhere. Back to Question- Top of page

23.- Does Drelinger Headjoint Company offerexchanges? Yes. For some time now, we have offered our customers the most flexible and liberal flute headjoint exchanges of any l know of. While the option of an exchange is a worthwhile back up, it's much more important to obtain the right headjoint the first time around. In this regard, it's well worth noting that during the past ten years, Drelinger Headjoint Company exchanged about one percent (1%) of all the headjoints we sold. Back to Question- Top of page

24.- Do you offer a credit purchase plan if I sellect aheadjoint, but cannot afford to pay for it totally right now? Yes. Drelinger Headjoint Company will arrange interest free time payments for those who can only afford a down payment on the headjoint of their choice. Back to Question - Top of page

When you are in New York City, please visit my workshop.
Please phone in advance to set up an appointment.

The Largest Headjoint Selection Anywhere!