Category: Flutes

  • RS 2012 Scale

    RS 2012 Scale

    RS 2012 is slightly different from the original Cooper Scale. As Cooper admitted, there was always room for improvement and this has now been done. That said, I am sure there will be corrections in the future, continuing Cooper’s work. The alterations are small, but to those with sensitive ears, they are significant when expressive…

  • In My Opinion

    In My Opinion

    For many years now there has been an issue in the British flute world that has been allowed to continue unchecked and I feel that is time that someone with a contrasting view voices an opinion.

  • Scales: An Incomplete Look at What Every Flutist Should Know

    Scales: An Incomplete Look at What Every Flutist Should Know

    What’s in a scale? More to the point, what’s in “the Cooper scale”? This short primer on scale—and why every flutist needs to understand its importance— includes a heartfelt appeal for the open information-sharing that defined the character of the late Albert Cooper.

  • Ian McLauchlan’s Guide To Making A Headjoint: Finishing the Headjoint

    Ian McLauchlan’s Guide To Making A Headjoint: Finishing the Headjoint

    Probably the most important stage of making a headjoint is cutting the embouchure hole. It is this that really makes it work or not.

  • Ian McLauchlan’s Guide To Making A Headjoint: The Riser

    Ian McLauchlan’s Guide To Making A Headjoint: The Riser

    In my first two articles in this series I talked about how I make a headjoint tube and lip-plate. This article covers the riser: a part that you don’t really see but that is an important part of the headjoint. The riser (also called the chimney, or by some American flutemakers, the ‘wall’) gives the…

  • The Ultimate Flute Headjoint?

    The Ultimate Flute Headjoint?

    Robert Dick is an internationally renowned American flautist and composer nicknamed ‘the Hendrix of the flute’ due to his ability to create effects similar to electric guitar and push the boundaries of conventional flute playing. He was inspired by Hendrix’s creativity from a very young age and desired to match the sound and abilities of…

  • Ian McLauchlan’s Guide To Making A Headjoint: The Lip-Plate

    Ian McLauchlan’s Guide To Making A Headjoint: The Lip-Plate

    In part 1 of this guide, I explained how tubes for handmade flute headjoints are made. In this article, I’ll talk about the method I use to make a lip-plate.

  • Alternative Crowns & Stoppers: A Resounding Leap Forward?

    Alternative Crowns & Stoppers: A Resounding Leap Forward?

    Recently there has been some debate over whether the cork assembly inside the headjoint makes a difference to the way the flute plays and feels. Many headjoint makers and flute enthusiasts have been experimenting with different materials and set-ups, and several alternatives are already available through specialist shops. In this article I want to demystify…

  • Ian McLauchlan’s Guide to Making A Headjoint

    Ian McLauchlan’s Guide to Making A Headjoint

    What I am intending to do over my next few blog posts is to describe the process involved in producing a headjoint from tubes and sheet, through to the final finished product. I am not for one moment suggesting that this is the only way of making a headjoint, but it is one that works…

  • Flute Essentials: Cleaning and Maintenance Accessories

    Flute Essentials: Cleaning and Maintenance Accessories

    There are masses of accessories designed for cleaning your flute and keeping it in top playing order. Here’s our round-up of what we suggest that very flute (and piccolo) player should have in their cleaning arsenal.