Straubinger pads

[pandaflute]

Most of what I read and hear about Straubinger pads has been really good, but my experiences with them haven't been great. I find that they leak just as much as traditional pads, even after an overhaul. Has anyone else had this experience? I've had it on both a Brannen and a Powell and with different repair people. Is there something in particular about my playing that makes me a bad candidate for these pads?

[pied_piper]

There doesn't seem to be a middle ground with Straubinger pads. It seems to be a love or hate relationship. When installed properly by a skilled tech, they can be quite good, but if not installed properly they can be a real problem. The term Straubinger "certified" techs really just means that person has been through the Straubinger class and completed it. There is no test that guarantees that the tech actually does a good job installing the pads. Assuming that you were lucky enough to have a really good Straubinger tech, there is also a possibility that you just don't get along well with those pads. Most players that really like them tend to play with a very light touch on the keys. A heavy touch on the keys can tend to cause early failure of the Straubinger pads. If you tend to be in the latter category, that might explain part of your problems with them. Likewise, grabbing the keys during assembly can cause the very delicate adjustments of the Straubinger pads to go out of adjustment more easily than traditional pads. Anyway, that's my opinion and thoughts on the subject. I know there are some Straubinger pad players and other techs on here who may add their 2 cents as well...

[mirwa]

The problem with straubinger pads is they are unforgiving, an instrument must be mechanically better than it was new for them to work successfully, most techs that I have seen struggle to get a flute to work with normal pads, so will never possess the skill to be able to mechanically prepare a flute for straubingers

[pandaflute]

Interestingly, I've actually been told by two techs that the reason I have issues is because I play with a light touch! I've had them on both a Brannen that was built for me and on my late 70s Powell. I also had issues with traditional pads, so it's not that Straubingers are worse, more that they aren't better for me.

[pied_piper]

Interestingly, I've actually been told by two techs that the reason I have issues is because I play with a light touch!

Well, I've heard of some cases where techs have said the player is using too light a touch because they didn't do an adequate job. Poorly adjusted pads will often seal if the key is pressed with greater force.

Another possibility is that your fingers are more "porous". Many flutists may be surprised to learn that with open hole flutes, air will leak out around their fingerprint swirls. Some people have more pronounced (i.e. deeper) swirls that are more susceptible to air leakage. This can be exacerbated by dry skin. Those folks will need to press a bit harder to seal the leakage. Try lightly moistening your fingers and then play. See if it makes a difference... YMMV...