Why Choose Drelinger

What Is the difference between a conventional headjoint design and Drelinger's patented Optikut^®? The lip plate cross-sections shown here are a conventional modern headjoint (a) compared to Drelinger's patented Optikut headjoint (b). The arrows in the conventional cross-section show two solder joints connecting the three parts of the voicing structure. Compare this to the Drelinger cross-section which has no solder joints in the voicing structure. Its lip plate, chimney, and section containing the undercuts are one seamless piece.

The overcuts and undercuts of the Optikut® are contoured in a continuous uninterrupted, solder-joint-free path, allowing the smoothest flow of air. The arrow shows the entire one-piece lip plate assembly soldered to the headjoint tube at a single acoustically non-critical point. Back or View Product

What is Drelinger’s exclusive non-stretch fitting process named Perfect-Match^TM? Slightly loose headjoints are fitted using burnishers or other stretching tools. Often these tools are used to extremes, permanently enlarging and distorting the tenon’s wall and bore. After this occurs, the headjoint may not play as well as it did.

Now this problem has been solved by Drelinger’s proprietary Perfect-Match^TM technology.

Perfect-Match^TM eliminates the need for bore and wall stretching by the use of turbo-spinning which adds metal to the outside of the headjoint tenon. Perfect-Match^TM is available exclusively with Drelinger Optikut® headjoints. There is no extra cost for fitting our headjoints to your flute body using Perfect-Match^TM.

When I purchase a Drelinger headjoint, do you need to have my flute in order to size it? No. With Perfect-Match^TM there is no need to have the customer’s flute to provide a precisely fit Drelinger headjoint. Back

Karritium Metal

It is not generally known that the traditional precious metal alloys such as sterling silver and 14 karat rose gold used to make quality headjoints and flutes are the same as those originally created for the jewelry and metal crafts industries. Since these alloys were so readily available from foundries supplying jewelry makers, they have been traditionally used by headjoint and flute makers and have proven over the years, to provide excellent acoustical results. The characteristic timbre that these traditional precious metal alloys produce has provided flutists with a defined variety of qualitychoices which have evolved into the status-quo.

Some years ago I asked myself if a precious metal formulation could be developed based on acoustical merit, rather than ease of availability. I did a great deal of research and development, experimenting by combining various proportions of gold and silver with other metals in search of an acoustically superior combination that would provide a timbre of extraordinary variety. The Drelinger proprietory formulation that evolved from this work came to be known as Karritium®. Unlike plated or fused topical applications of gold to silver, Karritium® is solid throughout. As you would expect, Karritium® is not easily produced, but we feel the results are worth the effort. Karritium® is, however, considerably less expensive than our gold headjoints and has found a devoted following who prefer it to all other precious metals. While Karritium® is ideal for some people, an equal number of our customers prefer traditional silver, gold and platinum. Happily, we offer all the choices. Back

• I want to tell you how much I enjoy playing on your headjoint - S.L.
• I appreciate the time and
effort you gave in helping me make the decision on this major purchase - K.H.
• After 3 years, I love my headjoint even more than ever - H.S.
• Your headjoint has really opened up my sound and I’m able to do many more things with my tone and technique - Y.A.
• I want to tell you how pleased I am with my old flute and your new headjoint - C.B.
• You have more than succeeded in supplying me with a headjoint that makes a
dillettante play pleasingly - H.S.
• I appreciate how perfectly suited my new headjoint is to me - N.K.
• My students are so grateful for the wonderful work you have done for them - P.J.
• Your headjoint is an incentive to practice - G.R.
• Your headjoint is not only easier to play, but the tone is much clearer - J.R.
• I never knew a single hole in a silver tube could make a grown man so happy. Thanks for your ingenious craftsmanship - B.H.
• The headjoint fits my mouth so well. It’s much easier to pick up and play immediately - Y.M.

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