When I occasionaly get a sticky pad I usually use a Rizzla cigarette paper on it (press the key down on it and pull it out). Does anyone else use thenm? It usually works fine for me. I suppose it might not if it was a really sticky pad problem though!

hmm..ciggrate paper. Never seen one, or knew those things was out there.I would try it if i have one. do you think i should wait until i buy the pad paper then i should start playing? i want to play so bad..i have a lot of things going on...

Nah, go ahead and play. The sticky pad isn't going to hurt anything. You could also pick up some paper that are used in giving perms at Walmart or a like store.

OH! OH! OH! OH!! I used to have those paper that you use for perm. YAY..i used to use them when i had a sticky pad. BUt..hmmm, where is it. Ahh, now i remember the perm paper is also the band director suggested. How could i forget that. oh, and it's great how i could still play with the sticky pad. COOL, because i already did.heehee^^ When i'm playing right now, it's not that sticky as before...weird.
OH, and i also have a audition coming up. I shouldn't be nervous because i've done this so many times...right?..oh boy, those nerves.

It's ok to be nervous, but you don't want the judges to know that you are nervous. So deep down you can be as nervous as you want, but you need to put on a face and sound of confidence.

I meant the cigarette papers you can use to make roll-ups. I have a pack which cost me about 20p 2 years ago and is still half full and is nice and tiny to carry with me in my flute case pocket. I thought they were a commonly used thing for sticky pads and minor leaks.

Playing with sticky pads is ok, but sometimes the sticky sound can sound a bit dodgy! Not that that would reflect on your audition result of course (well it shouldn't!), but there's someone in my band with one really sticky pad and it's really noticeable in a quiet but technical section of one of the pieces we play!

Cigarette papers are normal for musicians to have, but non-musicians don't know that. Some stores will ask for your ID before selling you papers, but a music store should carry some and will not ID you.

I have heard perm papers are good, but I've never had the occaision to ask about those.

I use a Yamaha paper set which include cleaning and powder papers. The cleaning paper is pretty much like cigarette paper, but the powder paper has a powder of some sort that is useful for removing sticky sounds that cigarette paper will not work on (don't pull papers or you will tear pads).

Alternatively un-perfumed talcum/baby powder lightly dusted on tissue paper will knock out the most stubborn sticky pads (Spread powder on tissue, shake tissue of excess powder, press pad on tissue... no pulling).

StephenK: (don't pull papers or you will tear pads)

Can we emphasize that even more.......
1. Put the paper under the key pad
2. Hold the paper still while tapping
down(closing) the key a few times
3. While the key is OPEN, take the
paper out....DO NOT PULL THE PAPER
OUT FROM UNDER A CLOSED KEY. If
you do, you may tear the pad!!


Remember: tap tap tap

As far as cigarette papers go. I know in Florida I don't believe that any store sells them except head shops. I believe that the chains think you're going to use them to make joints. LOL...This woman thought I was a big pothead for asking for cigarette paper. "NO! We Don't Carry That STUFF!" Good Lord...Get a grip woman! It's for a good cause! ROFL!!!

-Dennis

Your pads are sticky because there is glue coming out from where they are attached to the instrument. I have found that the best way to clean these pads when they are sticky is to slide a piece of paper under the key, press down on the key firmly and then pull it out while still pressing the key down. You may be able to see some glue or dirt on the paper depending on the age of the pads. This method has given me the best results on my instrument.
If the pads are still sticky, you may want to take your flute into the music store you purchased or are renting it from to get the pads replaced or to see what they can do to help.
Good luck!

I have found that the best way to clean these pads when they are sticky is to slide a piece of paper under the key, press down on the key firmly and then pull it out while still pressing the key down.

Mo! NEVER do that!! You are supposed to put it under the key and tap on the key a bit. NEVER do you pull it out when the key is closed. That is a good way of ruining your pads. It is not glue either. If it was glue, then left over glue would be hard and crispy and fall off, not still wet.

OI!! Some of the advice that is given in the forum!! I know people are just trying to help, but oi!!!