In early 2006, Kanichi Nagahara and Sir James Galway discussed  the common problem of a headjoint crown becoming loose as well as how to further enhance the resonance of a headjoint.  Kanichi was aware of this issue for some time, but it was not only after this conversation that he thought of  an elegant and simple solution, the Locking Crown.

Consisting of a “Top” & “Base” section, this brilliant two-piece crown was originally designed to improve security and stability of the crown and to avoid the “buzzy” loose crown issues. However,  additional benefits have been found with the use of the  Locking Crown. Most players experience an increase ease of the articulation, better note attack for pianissimos in the upper register and more clarity in the middle-lower register. Also, there is an increased control of intonation on the top register, more focused/centered core in the the sound (forward projection), and greater resonance.

All metal headjoints now come standard with the Galway Locking Crown- light base edition. Silver headjoint have all silver locking crowns; gold headjoints come with 14k gold tops and silver bases with gold rings (looks all gold from the exterior).

Bases come in four different weights:  Light, Medium, Heavy, & Extra heavy.  

Material Combination for Tops: All silver, All 10k Gold, All 14k Gold.

Material Combination for Bases: All silver, silver with 10k gold ring, silver with 14k gold ring, All 10k gold, All 14k gold.

You are able to mix  and match between the tops and the bases to get the right combination for you!

 

 

Locking Crown