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Most student flutes are silverplated, however there comes a time in a players musical evolution when they want to demand more of the instrument with regards to tonal colours and flexibility. The progression to a solid headjoint, solid tube, or solid tube and mechanism flute certainly assists the player in their search for musical advancement.
Most manufacturers will identify the areas which have precious metal content by stamping the numbers 925, which signifies a silver content of 925 parts per 1000. On the Trevor J James 'Cantabile' flute (solid head), the 925 is stamped next to the crown on the underside of the headjoint. On the Virtuoso (solid tube) model, 925 is stamped on the underside of the main body and footjoint section. Flutes can also be made of gold, which like silver is also a precious elemental member of the copper family.
Pure gold is measured as '24 karat'. Used in flute-making, it is usually 9k, although 14k and 18k flutes are also available, Sankyo are currently manufacturing a 5k version of their popular NRSI headjoint model whilst the new style 14k Miyazawa flute is certainly well worth playing.
The question of which metal gives the best tone has yet to be answered as all players have different desires and opinions. However most players would agree that there are deffinite and tangible benefits to a student upgrading their silver plated flute to either a solid head, solid tube or one with solid tube and mechanism.
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