I need a new head!

[MarkusT]

I have an old Fentum which is in very good condition, except for the head joint.
I am thinking of having a new head joint done for the flute since I think it can be a really good player. It's possible to play now and it feels just great.
I have never had any new parts done to my flutes and I don't know which makers that do this kind of stuff. A few names pops up, but I would be happy to get some suggestions!

/Markus

[Steampacket]

I'd suggest Chris Wilkes, Sam Murray or Hammy Hamilton as there are nearby (EU countries, no import tax). Pat Olwell or why not Michael Grinter but you risk import duty. You'll have to wait of course but if there's no hurry. I'm not sure if Wilkes is taking orders though these days. My Murray is at Sam's awaiting a new barrel and crack fix.
all the best

[LorenzoFlute]

Sam Murray is making a new headjoint for my antique flute, I don't know how it is yet but he makes great embouchure holes. It's better if you phone him though, or go find him in Galway, as I did.

[Lars Larry Mór Mott]

Another vote for Sam. According to the Ceard an Cheoil series where he was featured, he did loads of restoring work back in the Belfast days. Maybe you could get a 'package deal'

[ImNotIrish]

I had Jon C. (member here) make a new hj for my former Firth, Pond & Company flute. He did a wonderful job of it, and his price was reasonable. I also had Patrick O. make a new hj for my former R&R (#4117). Also did a stellar job of it. I did have to wait quite a while for Patrick to complete the hj. Good luck!

Arbo

[jemtheflute]

I think just about any of the quality makers can and at least sometimes will do this kind of job. You just have to talk to them. Just how bad is the original head, though? Post some pictures? I'm sure we'd all like to see some general pics of another Fentum.

[brotherwind]

Hi,
I suggest Steffen Gabriel. Made me a fine head recently.
Cheers, Moritz

[MarkusT]

Thanks!
That's some great ideas!
The head has a nasty crack which is repaired (ugly but efficient). The head is lined so it doesn't really matter.
The main reason for a new head is some small cuts in the embouchure. I suspect that the flute has been hanging on the wall on a nail at some time or that someone without skills has been trying to improve the embouchure...
I also suspect that the head that I have isn't the original since there's no makers stamp on it (which there is on all other parts of the flute). I'll see if I can get some pictures up.

[Cubitt]

My flute is in five sections, but the head has no name on it (the barrel does), and I think that is standard. I wonder if your perceived problems will be solved with a new head. Unless it is physically obvious that the head cannot perform, or you know that a particular embouchure cut is better for you, I wouldn't recommend the gamble. But it's your money.

[Michel]

Pol Jezequel could do that as well. He makes great embouchures, methinks.
If there are no tuning issues you could also have the crack fixed professionally and the embouchure cut re-done with old ivory or ivoirine.

[Jon C.]

Thanks!
That's some great ideas!
The head has a nasty crack which is repaired (ugly but efficient). The head is lined so it doesn't really matter.
The main reason for a new head is some small cuts in the embouchure. I suspect that the flute has been hanging on the wall on a nail at some time or that someone without skills has been trying to improve the embouchure...
I also suspect that the head that I have isn't the original since there's no makers stamp on it (which there is on all other parts of the flute). I'll see if I can get some pictures up.

I have seen very few flutes with a stamp on the head joint, I don't think they all were replacement heads, maybe they considered the barrel to be part of the section, and stamped that? If you post a photo of the head and flute, we can get an idea if it is repairable, it sounds like the head is still salvageable.