ok, so ive brought up this topic before but i want more advice.

im unhappy with my current headjoint (a standard muramatsu headjoint). ive always had trouble playing low notes without changing my embrochure completely. its not that im playing incorrectly because ive played on my teachers burkart headjoint and i get the most gorgeous sound in all registers. HOWEVER i am short on cash. im thinking about selling an old flute i have (intermediate model gemeinhardt) as well as my headjoint im using now (if the headjoint sells before the old flute or before i buy the new headjoint, im going to use a friends backup pearl headjoint).
im also aware that i have to try out many before i buy, but i want some ideas before i make a trip out to the flute store.
so, i ask you this question (all opinions welcome): what is your favorite headjoint to play on thats relatively inexpensive ($5000 is not inexpensive, by the way)?

Sheridan, Goosman and Nagahara.

<Added>

It is so hard to pick a favorite out of them. They each have different strong points and qualities, but these are my top three favorites that I have owned. Right now I have a Sheridan and a Goosman. I was considering selling the Sheridan as I mostly use my Goosman but I am having a hard time parting with it.

<Added>

Oh, one more thing. They all have 14 K gold risers. I seem to pick that everytime.

My favorites are Landell, Tom Green, Burkart, and Lafin. The Landells and Tom Greens are fantastic all-around heads, but (some) Burkarts and Lafins are so amazingly full of color possibilities that it's hard not to like them, even though they wouldn't be suited to my playing most of the time.

My favorites are Landell, Tom Green, Burkart, and Lafin. The Landells and Tom Greens are fantastic all-around heads, but (some) Burkarts and Lafins are so amazingly full of color possibilities that it's hard not to like them, even though they wouldn't be suited to my playing most of the time.

<Added>

Sorry for the double post!

I agree the Burkarts are full of colors and remind me a bit of the Nagaharas or Powell. They are nice, but play more modern or airier for me. I like more the the old style sweet clear sound, but sometimes change moods and do like to change every now and then.

<Added>

I would best describe them as being more on the aggressive side. That is the word I was looking for!

I had a Muramatsu that I sold, and after I got my Powell I had no idea how much the Muramatsu head was holding me back.

My favorite heads are Burkart, Faulisi and Nagahara. The riser is the only material that seems to make a difference to me. Oh, and I'm usually not a huge fan of Powell headjoints, but I tried their Soloist cut and I would've bought it if I had the money.

take your time and look around, don't discount or avoid lesser know heads, I stumbled upon my Jack Moore headjoint and got a great deal on it...

i notice you speak of risers... any particular reason why you prefer another material? what type of material?

For me, the gold risers sound richer and warmer. This could be, however, because the embouchure was cut that way to adhere to one's expectations of a gold riser.

I, personally, have silver risers because I cannot justify shelling out the extra $500 for the fracture of a difference in the sound.

I never notice much difference with risers, but my tastes always gravitate toward the more expensive flutes/heads, even in the case of blind tests. I currently play an all 14K gold head (with the exception of the crown) and love it to death. When I was playing with heads at the NFA (I've already got all the heads I need for right now, so I wasn't seriously considering buying them), gold ones were always the best fit for me. I seriously doubt this has much to do with the material, but with the care that makers spend on the more expensive metals.

Chris, this may be some what person and I hope you don't mind me asking. If so, please don't feel like you have to answer
I was just wondering.. now I know you are in college, right? May I ask what type of job you work that you are able to afford your collection of flutes and gold headjoints? I just want to know your secret, so that I can do it too. lol!

<Added>

I mean to say that the question might be some what personal. Sorry for the typo.

kara, ive often wondered that as well! im a college student and can barely afford a pot to pee in, let alone expensive instruments (hence the reason why i do not own a piccolo... lets not get into that one).

Unfortunately, finances are indeed a rather personal question, and I don't feel comfortable discussing them here. Besides, I wouldn't want to blow such a sweet gig! How am I going to keep raking in the dough if everyone starts jumping on my ideas?

I see. I wish my parents were rich too! Jk!!

<Added>

My parents actually were really rich. They bought me a Gemeinhardt 3SHB as my nicest flute in HS. Wow!! lolol!!! If only I knew more back then, I would have pushed for the gold flute!

i pushed for the gold flute... didnt get it. and my parents were quite wealthy as well, until about 3 months after the purchase of my current flute (10th grade i believe), my father lost his job and he was the main source of the family income.