Repadding Powell 2100

[Ryo]

Hello.

I am thinking of repadding my powell 2100. I think soft pads fit better than Straubinger, but its key cups are shallow and I don't know what type of pads can be installed. Are there soft and thin pads installable in the 2100 key cups? Any comments are welcome. Thanks.

Ryo

[pied_piper]

First, you really don't want to put soft pads in a Powell 2100. If you don't like the Straubinger pads, they can be replaced with thin, pressed felt pads. They are available to flute technicians in sizes to fit any flute including your Powell 2100.

It wasn't clear from your message if you are thinking of repadding the flute yourself or getting a professional to do it. If you are not experienced in repadding flutes, I strongly suggest getting a pro to do it for you. If you want to do it yourself, I urge you to practice repadding a bunch of clunker student flutes before you try repadding your Powell yourself. Even then there is no guarantee that you will be successful in getting it to play well. There is a lot more to repadding a flute than simply buying pads and putting them in the flute. (shimming, adjusting, regulating, and more are all necessary skills to repad a flute)

[Ryo]

Hello, pied_piper. Thanks for your comment. No, I have no wish to replace the pads myself. I am quite sure my flute will fall into the worst condition if I do it myself.

The reason that I want to replace the pads with other than Straubinger is the maintenance cost. Pads are expensive, the wage is higher, few technicians can adjust them properly, etc here in Tokyo. Powell Japan asks 100,000 JPY to repad with Straubinger, and they decline to repad the 2100 with "conventional" felt pads. I don't think Straubinger deserves such high expenditures.

I have never played the flute with pressed felt pads. Is there any difference in sound between the pressed pads and the normal felt pads?

Ryo

[JButky]

The 104ET Pads from Kraus will work for this purpose.

http://www.krausmusic.com/pads/flutepic.htm

Your tech will need to order direct as they do not sell to the general public. You may also be able to get these from Music center spa in Italy, (Pisoni) look for these specs or inquire as these are the only size available that is thin enough for that model.

[Ryo]

Hello, Joe B. Thanks for the info. Yes, 104ET seems thin enough for the 2100's shallow cups.

Anyway, I will bring my flute to some repair shops for estimation this weekend.

Ryo

[Ryo]

After all, I had my 2100 repadded with cloth felt pads last month. The tone became brighter with rich harmonics. The repairman made the stabilizers from cardboard and replaced the Straubinger's with them. It's really fun to play the 2100 now!

[frugal flutist]

Hi Ryo,
Thanks for posting an update. Glad there was a happy ending to this story. I suspect the repair technician was a large part of the surprise
twist... Cheaper sounded better! I think a well serviced instrument can inspire a player to reach a higher level.