Piccolo Headjoint Corks

Just like your flute, your piccolo has a headjoint cork assembly.  We happened to stop by the testing room when headjoint corks were being installed, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to find out more about them!

Getting ready to secure and position the nut.

Piccolo headjoint corks (again, just like flute) will need to be replaced from time to time.  How can you tell if it's time to replace your piccolo headjoint cork?  Well, if your sound becomes "mushy" and unfocused, it's most likely time to change the cork.  Also, it's important that the nut in the cork assembly is glued down to avoid any issues like the nut coming loose and causing a buzz or rattle.  If the nut becomes loose, you will hear a buzzing or rattling sound when you play. You can also shake the headjoint to check for any rattling.

Unlike metal flutes, there is much more movement with wood.  As we know, wood expands and contracts, so there is more potential movement with the headjoint cork.  You'll want to check your headjoint cork regularly, and you can do this with your swabstick.  The mark on the swabstick should be in the middle of the embouchure hole.  If you find that the headjoint cork is out of adjustment too often, it may be time to replace it!

New headjoint corks ready to go!

Cork is properly positioned!