Pressing too Hard?

Fox · Post by **Fox** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 6:57 pm

I was told a few days ago that pressing too hard on the keys would cause them to, as best as I can describe it, to making clicking/squishing noises. That the by pressing hard you cause the pads to dent and that causes the sound.

I had thought that this noise was due to the pads being dirty. Thoughts on this??

FluteFellow · Post by **FluteFellow** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 8:28 pm

The clicking sound in the keys is from the pads being dirty. I've never heard anyone attribute it to pressing too hard on the keys before. However, pressing hard on the keys is not a good idea for a variety of reasons. A light, fluid, even technique should be the goal.

Fox · Post by **Fox** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 9:03 pm

That's what I thought. I did use cigarette paper and later with a bit of alcohol. I eventually took it to a flute repair tech and that is what they told me. Which confused me.

I've been working on lessening how hard I press the keys. Mostly it's when I am practicing something fast that I tend to press harder.

FluteFellow · Post by **FluteFellow** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 6:43 am

Was the person you took it to a Flute specialist? If not, it would be worthwhile finding a specialist. Also, using alcohol on the pads does not sound like a good idea to me.

Here is how to get rid of the sticky keys:
You will need:
-lens towels from Lenscrafters (not the moistened ones) , or if you can't find them cigarette paper will work as well.
-Powder paper (Yamaha makes this, you should be able to purchase it at any music store)

After you play your flute, swab it out as usual and put it in the case. Then leave the case open for about 30mins (make sure you put it in a safe place). After 30mins has passed, use the lens towels (or cigarette paper) on the pads. Remember do not close the key and pull the paper out, this will tear the pads. Then do the same with the powder paper. The powder will act as a lubricant to prevent the buildup of dirt on the pads.

Repeat this procedure after you play until the stickiness is gone. Then you can cut back and do it occasionally. It will most likely take a week or so until the problem goes away.

Fox · Post by **Fox** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 7:04 am

The person I took it to is a flute repair technician. Has their own website and has been recommended to someone else on this board.

Thanks for the tip. I actually happen to have a couple of the lens towels laying around. I'll check this week at the music store for the powder paper.

Thanks

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 10:26 am

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Don't get the powder paper. It works for a few weeks, then the powder starts to build up. As it builds up, the pads get sticky. So you use it again. It gets worse. It is a never ending cycle. Eventually you have to have your pads cleaned by a specialized flute technitian.

I was caught by the powder paper scam, and it bit me [and SEVERAL people I know]. All of us ended up with the same thing. Stickier pads, and a costly cleaning.

Every single technitian I have ever spoken to has told me to avoid powdered pad paper [Brannen Bros, my tech at Miyazawa, Flute Specialists Inc., Carol Nussbaum, Flute Fx, and many more]. If you have the powder paper, get rid of it. You should only use un-gummed cigarette paper, or similiar types. If that doesn't solve the problem, you can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol [mixed with some water] to clean the pad. [You would clean it, then dry it with cig. paper]. Lighter fluid is also an option. I personally prefer "Pad Juice" produced by JL Smith.

Follow my advice. I have definitely "been there and done that."

Fox · Post by **Fox** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 11:31 am

Thanks fluteguy18. That does make a lot of sense when you think about it. I think I shall use some lighter fluid as the alcohol did not help.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 1:29 pm

Just be careful. Doing this too much will dry the pad skin out and will cause it to split. Then you would be dealing with the issue of getting the pad replaced.

Fox · Post by **Fox** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 2:55 pm

Ah, ok. thanks.

FluteFellow · Post by **FluteFellow** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 7:09 pm

I have to disagree; powder paper has worked very well for me, and is recommended by the flute tech that repairs my flute (and the flutes from the symphony, Opera Company and many professionals). I've never had a problem with buildup and have never had my pads cleaned (or replaced) since I got my flute 5 years ago.
If you use the powder paper when the pads are still wet, yes buildup will occur, but if the pads are dry the power will prevent further buildup.
That is the reason for the 30min waiting period and the lens cloths.
Ultimately its up to you, but I think putting alcohol on the pads will make the problem worse. Try putting alcohol on your hands and let it evaporate, your fingers will be sticky, so will your pads.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 4:27 pm

To each their own. :/

I have tried all of these methods, and the powdered pad paper worked for a few weeks then turned into a disaster. IMHO, Pad Juice works the best, and it is relatively inexpensive. It is a chemical solvent that is engineered to clean the pad and not damage the pad skin.