Effect of Pads on Flute Sound/Tone?

FltnPicc_David · Post by **FltnPicc_David** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:41 pm

Do the pads on a flute effect the flute's tone or sound in anyway?

Band_Geek · Post by **Band_Geek** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:44 pm

I dont think they should. However, if they get really old, and sticky, it could stick to the holes of your flute which could affect the sound.

FltnPicc_David · Post by **FltnPicc_David** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:45 pm

Thanks

ick27 · Post by **ick27** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:00 pm

How well the pads seal is very important. A flute with pads that don't seal well will feel sluggish and sound "cottony" (if it plays at all.) Pad coverage problems are most obvious on the low notes where more keys must be closed--many flutists have trouble with their lowest notes because of slight leaks.

That said, the pad material or type of pad does have some effect on the sound of the instrument. There are definite differences between the sound of schmidt pads (gold skin) and goldbeaters skin pads, but straubingers do sound slightly different from felt as well. Of course different types of pads also feel different (how soft/firm they are) and that plays a role in whether people like a certain type of pad or not. The primary purpose of pads is to seal the toneholes properly, and if they do that, the flute will usually play quite well regardless of what the pad is made of.

FltnPicc_David · Post by **FltnPicc_David** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:02 pm

Ooh! Thanks!