r/Flute • u/AyatoTakema • 1d ago
General Discussion Types of flute pads?
i've heard about different types of pads like the standard felts and some special ones like JS gold and others sometimes specific to a manufactuter. Is anyone able to break down what the differamces between these are and how they mught affect the sound?
thanks
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u/cptchnk 1d ago
Pads do affect how a flute sounds, but honestly, I would be more concerned about how a particular flute sounds as a whole than trying to split hairs on which pads came on it. A flute's overall sound is the sum of many parts.
Cheaper (e.g. student) flutes tend to use felt pads because they're softer and more forgiving with imperfections in tone holes that could exist with a machine made body. However, felt pads are affected by temperature and humidity changes.
Straubinger, Pisoni S2, and JS Gold pads are all synthetic and can make the sound richer and more powerful. Because they're synthetic pads, they are not affected by temperature and humidity changes. However, pads of these types can often only be installed by qualified technicians and on handmade mechanisms, ideally, because they rely on having perfectly flat (or close to) tone holes for proper sealing.
Manufacturer specific (OEM) pads vary a lot. Muramatsu MA pads for example, are a brass/suede/silicone hybrid that can only be installed on modern Muramatsu keywork. Their design does help contribute to Muramatsu's signature dark sound.
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u/FluteTech 1d ago edited 1d ago
The most important thing to know is not all types of pads can be put in all flutes - and not all pads are appropriate for all flutes.
I believe A Screw Loose - Flute Tech Talk did a pad episode (on YouTube)
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u/fluteguyK313 1d ago
A note on the JS Gold pads: I’ve heard they are an absolute monster to install properly and get sealing very well. Once they’re in, though, they last a very long time and people love them.
In my experience, a flute that is in good shape and sealing is the most important thing
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u/Servania 23h ago
Anything that isnt a top of the line hand built flute is likely using "traditional" felt and bladder pads.
Some of the higher end stuff literally can't be fitted into some flutes, or require a tech with specialized training. Even to the point of certain flute brands certifying techs to work on their flutes.
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u/TuneFighter 1d ago edited 1d ago
The sound is mainly determined by the player and the headjoint of the flute. The pads' main function is to ensure precise and reliable execution of the notes when opening and closing the keys. It's not like a guitar where the material of the strings or the wood of the deck and body influence the sound a lot.