Tube:
Most headjoints use an extruded (factory-formed) tube. The tube in its original form is a straight cylindrical tube that is modified by the headjoint maker into a parabolic taper. The thickness of the tube varies from about .012” to .018.” Most players feel that a thinner tube has a quicker response time, while a thicker tube tends to be less responsive.
Lip Plate:
This is the surface that the flute player’slipsrest on. The two main designs are the “saddle” or traditional and the “flat” or modern design. The flat design is considered to give the lips more comfort and flexibility as well as speeding up articulation and responsiveness.
Riser:
The riser or chimney separates the lip-plate from the tube. The height of the riser affects the volume of sound the flute produces. A low riser is considered to have much easier pianissimos above high G with a lot of flexibility while a high riser will have a bigger, more straightforward sound but without as much flexibility.
Embouchure Hole:
This is the hole that the player blows into. The embouchure hole is cut with various shapes and dimensions with some appearing mostly square and others more oval. A square cut tends to be louder, more strident in the higher register and reedy in the low register with a lot of resonance. The oval cut is considered to have more tonal color and sophistication. The embouchure hole can also be cut with a wide or narrow opening. A wide cut tends to be louder with a better high register while a narrow opening will favor the low register.
Stopper:
Traditionally made from natural cork, this component is inserted in the tubing between the embouchure hole and the crown. The placement and density of the stopper material can affect the tonal quality of the instrument.
Crown:
The crown closes off the headjoint tube and keeps the stopper in place.