Ivory and Imitation Ivory
I always find it satisfying to look at the black and white layout of the piano keys – the upper and lower division, the mathematic organization, and the pure simplicity.
This grenadilla headjoint with imitation ivory crown and ferrule evokes similar visual feeling of the Quantz flute of ebony and ivory, a classic study of contrast and proportion. When put on a silver flute, the effect is very beautiful and gives that retro feel. In this picture, the ferrule is only ornamental and can be removed to reveal the original silver ring underneath.
This is the same headjoint connected to a wood Louis Lot with an adaptor made of imitation ivory. The visual result is quite pleasing. The other headjoint is a Mountain Mahogany on a silver Arista flute. Both of these headjoints are extra thinned and exhibit very different qualities when match with different bodies.
A small piece ivory is inserted in front of the blowing edge of a grenadilla headjoint, not unlike the shakuhachi utaguchi that is usually made of buffalo horn. Ivory is a little harden than grenadilla and the playing characteristics is slightly different, perhaps a little more focus tone and finer in the high piano passages. It has a nice and clear response while the sound has a substantial depth/core from the grenadilla, brilliance with solidity.
Ivory embouchure hole insert – the entire embouchure is lined with a piece of ivory.
The density of ivory is a little greater than grenadilla - about 1.7 to 1.8 versus grenadilla’s 1.3. It will not change the balance of the headjoint. A large ivory crown, on the other hand, will affect the balance of the headjoint and the flute, much like the famous Hotteterre flute with the oversized crown, ferrules and end cap. Pre-ban elephant ivory are available for crowns, ferrules, embouchure inserts, just the blowing edge, lipplate or an entire headjoint. Please call for prices and availability.
For more information please e-mail david@sideblown.com
