question about pads

[stoeckle]

Hi, folks,

I am looking at a web site for a music store that sells flutes (among other instruments). They are selling a used flute that I'm investigating. Here's my question: Have you ever heard - or seen - a statement like this?

"Due to the nature New England weather pads can become unseated during shipping. Therefore we cannot warranty pads."

I'm wondering if this is a legitimate concern, or if perhaps the pads aren't in good shape. (In the photos, the pads look OK as far as I can tell.)

Thanks.

[flutepicc06]

It's a legitimate concern that pads could become unseated during shipping due to rough handling, and it is true that weather can change how pads seal, so I would not be overly concerned. How much any potential unseating is due to New England's weather (which is reasonably damp, if I'm not mistaken?) I have my doubts about, but unseating due to reasons related to shipping is not at all unheard of. Still, it seems odd that they would refuse to warranty pads on their instruments....A well padded flute shouldn't change so much because of weather that it becomes unplayable. If I were you, I would try to get the flute on trial (which would hold true even if you didn't have worries about the pads), and let a tech look it over for condition and quality (he can also tell you about the state of the pads and what kind of cost, if any, would be needed to put it back in playing condition.

[fluteguy18]

Yes, New England's climate is reasonably damp [I have family in NH, and I am currently in New York City on Spring Break]. So, because it is more damp, if you live in a dry climate, the pads might shrink.

[woof]

Yes, New England's climate is reasonably damp [I have family in NH, ].

Damp? sometimes during cool weather the humidity gets up there but for the most part we are less humid than the southern part of the US per degree of temperature. Our humidity is generally between 32-38% at around 65F. When we have "Florida" (actually Gulf of Mexico) air move up here in the summer- yeah it can get pretty sticky but I would think there would be more problems with loosening pads due to humidity down south rather than here in the NE.

[stoeckle]

Thanks to all who responded to my question about pads and damp weather.

It turns out I didn't have much confidence in the seller who told me I could NOT return the instrument - it was an "AS IS" sale. It sounded like a terrific price for an all-silver flute; however, it wouldn't be so hot if it needed a major overhaul, so I chickened out.

Since I'm just getting back into playing after many years away from the instrument, I bought a student model silver-plated Armstrong about 10 years old (really cheap!) instead. I'm hoping this will last me at least until I get my chops back in shape.

Thanks again.

[flutepicc06]

Thanks to all who responded to my question about pads and damp weather.

It turns out I didn't have much confidence in the seller who told me I could NOT return the instrument - it was an "AS IS" sale. It sounded like a terrific price for an all-silver flute; however, it wouldn't be so hot if it needed a major overhaul, so I chickened out.

Since I'm just getting back into playing after many years away from the instrument, I bought a student model silver-plated Armstrong about 10 years old (really cheap!) instead. I'm hoping this will last me at least until I get my chops back in shape.

Thanks again.

Probably a good call. If you had a lack of confidence for any reason, there was probably as good reason. And even if it were all silver, that's no guarantee that it would play well, even if it were completely overhauled. There are plenty of silver junkers out there. Congratulations on the new flute, though! That instrument should certainly last you for a while.

[fluteguy18]

Yes, New England's climate is reasonably damp [I have family in NH, ].

Damp? sometimes during cool weather the humidity gets up there but for the most part we are less humid than the southern part of the US per degree of temperature. Our humidity is generally between 32-38% at around 65F. When we have "Florida" (actually Gulf of Mexico) air move up here in the summer- yeah it can get pretty sticky but I would think there would be more problems with loosening pads due to humidity down south rather than here in the NE.

Well, I was going off of the time I have spent in NE. But, seeing as how I dont live there.... not much to go off of. I just know that the weather in NYC was miserable on Thursday [Sleet above our ankles, snow, freezing rain... etc. etc.].

But, I am glad to be home again, and the weather is much dryer.

[stoeckle]

Well, I guess I hadn't even been considering the change in temperature/humidity. I may have a problem...I live in the Mohave Desert. (It's 90 F right now.) We moved here about 2 years ago.

Any suggestions for pad care? We are NOWHERE NEAR a major city with instrument repair people.

Thanks.

[ick27]

I live in Las Vegas currently, which is quite dry. When flying back and forth to the east coast, there can be some changes, but not horrible ones (stickiness mostly). I don't use a humidifier in my case or anything special, but I do keep my instrument indoors of course. I have straubinger pads, which don't shrink and swell like felt pads, but cork and felt are also affected by humidity. I wouldn't let your location prevent you from buying a particular flute. I find that regardless of where they come from, new instruments usually need a little bit of adjustment.

[woof]

Well, I was going off of the time I have spent in NE. But, seeing as how I dont live there.... not much to go off of. I just know that the weather in NYC was miserable on Thursday [Sleet above our ankles, snow, freezing rain... etc. etc.].

It does get miserable here and with cool weather the humidity gets up there In the summer we can swelter but overall I think we have less humidity than they do down south- I used to live in Fla and Texas (much "stickier"). One nice thing - in the winter with the wood stove going the humity can get quite low- so flutes here do see some changes but I imagine the same would be true with airconditioning down south.

[woof]

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