Hey! I'm looking at buying a new flute, and I have been heavily weighing on Muramatsu. However, I stumbled upon a post here a while ago about Straubinger pads. Everyone complained of extensive promblems with them. So my question is, can I buy a Muramatsu WITHOUT those pads? If not, as problems arise can I get individual pads replaced with kid bladder pads or something or would I have to get the whole flute redone at once? And lastly, on the post about Straubinger pads, someone mentioned that they were made to operate in humid climates. Seeing as how I live in Louisiana, would they be more likely to work well here?? maybe I wouldn't have any issues with them at all. Thanks, in advance! I appreciate it!
<Added>
IF muramatsu doesn't come with straubinger at all, let me know. There are 3 flute players at the Universtiy that I attend that have Muramatsu flutes with Straubinger pads. Maybe that's a coincidence?? I just reread through y'all's posts on the other thread and the only two brands I came across mentioned in that were Powell and Miyazawa.
Re: muramatsu + key pads 14:51 on Sunday, April 30, 2006
Account Closed (3248 points)
Posted by Account Closed
Muramatsu does not use straubinger pads. They use there own designed ones which I think are much better.
Re: muramatsu + key pads 17:01 on Sunday, April 30, 2006
Muramatsu uses their own pad. Straubs require level tone holes, which muramatsu doesn't allow without voiding their (useless) warranty. (translation..you have to file the tone holes for straubs...Muramatsus rolled tone holes are just as bad (unlevel) as any flute with rolled tone holes.)
The Muramatsu pad is apparantly something they are quite proud of but is a lousy idea. NOBODY stocks this pad and (IMNSHO)it is a control thing on the part of muramatsu to not have anyone else service their flutes. (The real evil purpose of these pads...monopolization!)
The good news is that when needed, these fkutes will take a felt pad just fine with a slight modification because of the half stupid design of their integrated pad nut insert. (Or any other pad your little heart may desire in the future for that matter)
Having said that, don't you worry about it, If you like the way the flute plays, you should have no reservation about a muramatsu. That's what we techs are here for to fix anything they throw at us <G>. They are well made and will give you a lifetime of excellent playability.
