Pearl Alto Flutes

Straight vs. Curved Headjoints
Pearl Alto Flutes can be purchased with either a Straight or Curved Headjoint or even with both. In the end, there is not a definitive “better” option in this regards, but rather a personal preference. Both have their pros and cons.

Straight Headjoint

• More open in sound
• Less resistant
• Requires a full reach from the player

Curved Headjoint

• More resistant
• Can be helpful for smaller players as it brings the body of the flute closer to the player
• Players will “hear more” of the flute since the toneholes will be closer to the player – this can make the player perceive the flute to be brighter in tone

All Pearl Alto Flutes are not released from us unless it has been completely setup in our shop first. This is because the setup on the instrument is of the utmost importance! Sometimes, a flute (regardless of who the manufacturer or the price point is) comes in needing 20 minutes of adjustments and then the very next one can require 2 hours! So if you were to get 5 of the same model right out of the box, they will all play different which leads people to believe that they are “good” or “bad” instruments… but the reality is that the one that was the best out of the 5 was likely the one that needed the least amount of work and on the flip side, the “bad” flute was the one that needed 2 hours worth of adjustments!

Once the same 5 instruments are properly regulated and adjusted to perfection, they become near identical & even the pickiest of players would be challenged to pick a true “favorite” one. However, since most stores do not or even can not perform this setup, the player never knows this and is simply relying on the luck of the draw. This is why we perform our setup in our ProShop before delivering your new flute to you. You trust us with your purchase and we want to make sure that you are rewarded by giving you your ideal flute setup flawlessly!