In article 2 we talked about Straubinger pads and how they have revolutionized flute playing. Since discovering how much difference a flute pad can make to a flute, other contenders have appeared on the scene with new pads that boast even more improvements. What Straubinger did was to prove how much pads change the playability […]
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In the previous article, I described the benefits and drawbacks of the traditional flute pad – still the most commonly-used pad on flutes. In this article I want to talk about the first break from the mold – the first real changer in the evolution of the flute pad. And that break is… … the […]
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There are a number of different types of pads available for flute players, now, but how can you know objectively which one is best? The types of pads that are generally available are these: Traditional felt pads Straubinger pads Straubinger Style (imitation) pads Jim Schmidt Gold and Black Gold Pads Muramatsu Pads There are so […]
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What is Regulation? There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the concept of ‘Regulation’. Most players either have no idea what it is, or think that it is the answer to most flute mechanical problems. There are definitely the times when the key adjustments are put out and the adjustment screws are there to make […]
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Where is Your Instrument Made? Does it Matter? Back in the 90s, people would come into our workshop with instruments that were almost impossible to fix. Invariably they were products of China or the Czek Republic, and our conversations would revolve around brand names and the saying, ‘avoid anything that flies or swims’. Many people […]
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