I'm only asking a question, and hope that some members of the forum can help.

There are marvelous recordings of Tracy Harris, playing on a "K-cut" head-joint.

In this recording, she's playing a Yamaha flute with a "K-cut" head-joint.?

I would like to know what that is, because of her remarkable performance. I'm looking to do anything that can help my playing.

http://www.pacificcenterforadvancedstudies.com/MP3s/SoundII/11.mp3 (Carnival of the Animals).

I DID search on previous threads, but found nothing to do with "K-cut" head joints, so I'm depending upon those members who are conversant in this.

IF my link is "truncated" because of its length, I'll do it again.

Look forward to your help.

Thanks to all. Jim

<Added>

When you click on the above link, if it doesn't come up the first time, just close and click again --- it will. Even though I have a "high-speed" connection, remember that this a an Mp3 download and takes time, so just be patient.

Thanks.

<Added>

SORRY, EVERYONE: I must be really tired. This is a recording of the "Carnival of Venice."

<Added>

P.S. After being on this forum, I no longer trust in "reps" or manufacturers, so I depend upon feed-back from this forum.

Thanks.

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/winds/product/others/access/flhead/index.htm

They don't like a "K" cut, but I have heard a lot of other odd combinations. Technically you can custom order any combination on that list.

Thank you so much, Pletko, for your reply and link.

I'll look into it.

Regards, Jim

There is no such thing as a "K" cut. Yamaha does not make one. I don't like Yamaha headjoints much at all personally but Tracy sounds nice on hers. There is just far better headjoints on the market now to choose from IMNSHO.

Jim, why don't you try out a gold plated Artley headjoint on your Yamaha. It will really warm up your tone.

HI everyone, I'm a long time reader of this forum but first post. The only K head I have ever heard of is made by Gemeinhardt which they describe as
"The 'K1' headjoint offers the most resistance and, as a result, provides a sound which projects brilliantly. It's extremely responsive in the low register and lends itself well to soft playing."

The headjoint that Jim is talking about can't be a Yamaha because all Yamaha headjoints are a combination of two letters (one for cut and one for taper) like CY, AC, and the EC.

I hope this helps.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

Yep, that is right, that is why I said that already. I don't think anyone listens to me anymore. I wouldn't... I am a Kara after all... that says it all. Kara needs sleep. zzzzzzz

" I don't think anyone listens to me anymore."
Huh?? What's that you said? Speak up plzzzz I think that my ears are clogged.
and I thought that Yamaha head joints were somewhat "Suspect".

ummmm....never mind I gotta go. I think that there something on my roof that sounds like the jingling of sleigh bells and the sound of 32 little hooves.

Thanks, everyone for your feed-back. The reason I asked is because on Tracy Harris' Bio page it says:

*Tracy plays on a Yamaha heavy Wall, 14K 892 Julius Baker Model Flute with a “K” Cut Headjoint."
http://www.pacificcenterforadvancedstudies.com/tracyharris/

Then, here's a "blurb" from Yamaha Flutes:

"Concerning the "K" headjoint - this is a newly designed headjoint we are introducing in the next month. It was designed primarily with input from Jeff Khaner of the Philadelphia Orchestra, but also a number of other Yamaha flute artists. Along with the other headjoints we offer, this headjoint will be available as part of any flute special order, if desired. According to Jeff himself, the "K" headjoint will help provide a "powerful tone and wide dynamic range with good presence."

So, I guess you can see why I was kind of confused.

And yes, Ann, you're right. Practice is the most important thing regardless of head joints.

But, again, thanks everyone --- have a great 2008!

ANN: Lafin?

BILBO: I did say that Yamaha head-joints are "suspect" because that's what I was told by a rep, which is why I no longer trust what reps & manufacturers say.

I didn't say that I was endorsing Yamaha head joints, nor that I believe in their marketing nonsense ---- I just wanted to point out the correlation between Tracy's playing on one, and the blurb from Yamaha, showing that they DO exist.

More properly stated, my question should have read: "has anyone tried Yamaha's new "K"-cut head joint, and does it really make a difference?"

Lafin Headoint players:
http://www.lafinheadjoints.com/spieler.html
including Jeffrey Khaner .

Jim, I'm curious where you got the info from Yamaha on the "K" Cut. An Email? (Not that I doubt you.) The only reference that I've seen is in regards to this Tracy Harris using one.

Also, I don't find the Yamaha suspect. They seem to work ok here.

I stand corrected then. I got to keep up with the game here!

This is the first I have heard about Yamaha making a K cut. That is very interesting. Yamaha headjoints are not super popular and they work okay for me, though I have played far better headjoints in my opinion. A very good flutists can make just about any headjoint sound great.

I have a Venus headjoint from off of a crap flute that I made into a lamp that I had a to use for a couple of days and make due with one time because I sold my good headjoint before my other one that was on order came in. I made it work and it sounded fine. Yes, it was harder to play, but with a good embouchure you can manipulate just about any headjoint into sounding good.

Thank you, Kara and Bilbo for your feed-back.

KARA: I loved your reply about the "lamp". I really think we have the same sense of humor --- although, you probably weren't kidding. I respect, as always, your knowledge of head joints. Thanks so much.

BILBO: I got the info from (my) e-mailing to Yamaha, after I read Tracy's Bio. If you like, I can give you all the info on reaching the "tech" I got an e-mail from. Just let me know on this thread, since I have to go into my e-mail account and find the info. I'll be happy to provide the name and e-mail address to you.

Regards to both of you: Jim

Thanks for the Response Jim.
I trust your information. I think that I could find an email to them from their web site.
Sounds like a more high-end custom headjoint to me though.

You're welcome, Bilbo. Good luck, and be sure and let us know if you find out additional info.