>>And where do you guys think Star LP pads fit into this picture.<<

Star LP pads are like the memo that fell off behind the refrigerator. They're there, but forgotten...

Joe B

I've played Straubinger pads on my flutes (2 vintage Powells with soldered tone holes and a drawn tone hole Lehner) for more than 20 years and NEVER had any problems.

Straubinger pads have been around that long?

My wife and I worked at Powell for a few years and installed Straubinger pads in over 1000 flutes. It takes at least three years to learn padding and adjusting key mechanism well, and after 8 years of doing it, I am still discovering new techniques and tricks. My point is, the most important thing is to understand how the flute works. The kind of pads you are using is a relatively minor issue. You can make a great flute with either felt, Straubinger, Valentino or JS Gold pads. Headjoint cut and body design have more influence on the sound than pads that only need to seal the toneholes.

My point is, the most important thing is to understand how the flute works. The kind of pads you are using is a relatively minor issue. You can make a great flute with either felt, Straubinger, Valentino or JS Gold pads. Headjoint cut and body design have more influence on the sound than pads that only need to seal the toneholes.

Now your talking Boris...huzzah!

Joe B

Haha thanks for the comments guys...

sorry i can't contribute much info. on straubinger pads...