Forum: I'm very ignorant when it comes to flute construction.

I'm very interested in knowing what "risers" are on the head-joint. Does this refer to the embouchure plate? Or is there a different mechanism in place?

I'm missing something here. Perhaps those who know more than I, can tell me just what "riser" means?

I also think other members of the forum would be interested, since it impacts both our playing, and choice of
flutes/head-joints.

Thanks so much for your feed-back.

Regards, Jim

The riser is the extension tube (chimney) between the headjoint tube and lip plate.

The blue part is the riser:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b397/arabians207207/flutelip.jpg

When i was trying Miyazawa flutes, I tried all their headjoints and I liked the M5 with the gold riser the best, although I'm pretty sure I get to try the M5 without it, I don't think the gold riser makes a whole lot of difference.

I also tried an older 404 (I think that was the model, all silver Miyzawa) that I borrowed for a few auditions while i was looking for a new flute, and it had a gold lip plate and platinum riser.

They are just supposed to make the sound be darker than just a silver riser.

I meant to say I did NOT get to try the M5 with no gold riser..

The riser is the extension tube (chimney) between the headjoint tube and lip plate.

Basically yes this is true, but there are variations to accomplish various things.

The riser is attached to the lip plate (hard soldered) and then soft soldered to the tube.

There are people who believe that the strike edge is important and not just the riser. The edge tone is created at the strike edge which is the lip plate and not the riser. Some makers have a riser through lip plate configuration so that the riser itself has the strike edge and not the lip plate.

If you have a gold riser and a silver lip plate, the strike edge is silver.

If you have a gold riser through a silver lip plate, the strike edge is made of gold.

A Solid gold lip plate with a silver riser also has a strike edge that is gold.

Some makers like drelinger believe the strike edge is so important, that a very small amount of whatever metal is placed to make the strike edge.

Riser material alone is not a determining factor, There are lots of small things that can be done to tailor a sound.

I don't wish to make it overly complicated, but it is not oversimple either.

Joe B

Joe B, I just wanted to say that you are awesome Thank you so much for helping me and your hard work. The Pearl a very good thing by hiring you.

<Added>

Sorry, typo...
The Pearl Co. did a very good thing by hiring you.

Pearl did make a good decision by hiring him, but they won't be happy with the catering bill

Thanks to all who responded.

Your edification and insight(s) have made (a former mystery) somewhat clearer to me ---- and, I'm sure, to other members of the forum!

Best Regards, Jim

but they won't be happy with the catering bill

Going to the Midwest clinics before Christmas. Chicago deep dish pizza....MMMMMMmmmmmm....

Joe B

just wipe the grease off your hands before you greet people out there...geeez

Gee, Joe --- I live in Chicago. We can go out for deep-dish Pizza, together!

Dinner is on you, of course. I still have another 45 years to pay for my new flute.

Jim

Actually, You and I can go to dinner and send the bill and grease to Patrick.

Joe B <G>

and I will need to take out a home equity loan to pay the bill

So --- do it, Patrick.

Joe and I will enjoy YOUR treat. Thanks so much. And sell whatever you have to sell to pay for it.

Jim

Thank you, Lera, for deciding to join Joe and me for deep-dish pizza.

The treat is on Patrick (my, how the bill is building up).

Joe's hotel? It will be his favorite: the Pacific Gardens Mission on South State St.

Just call and ask for the Pearl Rep --- you'll reach him. (Cackle, cackle).

Jim