The world of flute making thrives on tradition while constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. A remarkable example of this dialogue between heritage and experimentation is the recent collaboration between Pere Alcon of Pere Alcon Flutes and the Japanese master craftsman Shuhou Sakurai.
Together, they have created two extraordinary twin headjoints—each embodying distinct tonal personalities yet born from the same shared vision.
A Meeting of Masters
At the heart of this collaboration lies a synthesis of philosophies. Sakurai is renowned for his flute embouchure concept, a system that prioritizes air efficiency, precise hole shape, dimensions, and depth. Alcon, in turn, contributes his expertise in headjoint taper, lip plate parameters, and his signature Asymmetric cut.
The result: a pair of headjoints that invite flutists to explore new expressive dimensions.
Kingwood and Tulipwood: Two Voices
The first headjoint was crafted in Kingwood, with its embouchure carved by Sakurai himself. The second, captured in Pere Alcon’s photograph, was made of Tulipwood, distinguished by Alcon’s own cut design.
Remarkably, the only variable between the two is the cut—yet the tonal outcome is profoundly different. This discovery highlights how even subtle changes in flute design can completely reshape a player’s sound world.
The Spirit of Collaboration
For Pere Alcon, this collaboration represents more than technical achievement — it is a deeply enriching artistic journey. Working alongside Sakurai has been, in his own words, a humbling and inspiring opportunity:
“It is astonishing how different they are, even though the only difference is the cut itself. Blessed for such inspiring and enriching collaborations. Let’s keep learning.”
This spirit of mutual respect and continuous learning reflects the very essence of flute making: tradition preserved through innovation, and innovation enriched by tradition.
Looking Ahead
The Sakurai – Alcon Tulipwood headjoint is not just an instrument component — it is a testament to the art of collaboration. For flutists, it opens the door to exploring new tonal palettes while appreciating the craftsmanship of two masters united by curiosity and artistry.
To learn more, visit:
🌐 www.sakuraiflute.com
🌐 www.perealconflutes.com
A True Collaboration of Craft
What makes this project a genuine collaboration is the way each master directly contributed their own voice to the work. On the Kingwood headjoint, Sakurai himself cut the embouchure hole, applying his philosophy of air efficiency and depth. On the Tulipwood headjoint, Pere Alcon applied his own Asymmetric cut and design principles. By crafting “twin” headjoints and shaping them differently, they were able to directly compare their approaches, learn from each other’s methods, and reveal how a single design can produce profoundly different tonal worlds.
This story celebrates the meeting of two traditions — Japanese precision and Spanish innovation — reminding us that the flute’s voice is ever-evolving.
