Thanks Stephen, I'll definitely look into it!

-Dennis

I did contact Louis Carlini. He gave me some very good insight into repairing flutes. He also told me that if I am going to be REALLY into performing, as much as he likes pearls, I will need a better flute. He is very honest in what he says. He offered to teach me personally how to repair flutes in NJ if I were to come up. He also said he uses pads that are medium soft, but HALF the thickness of standard pads. The ones he uses are .055" thick normally, but he does go up to .65-.85". The pads I have been using are .118". That's possibly why I can't seat the pads well. The spuds I believe are too short, thus making thicker pads "squeeze" themselves into the pad cup incorrectly, and make stressing appear on the pads that really can't be fixed through seating, and adjusting. All I have to do is find out how to get online ordering for these pads. I found a company that makes them, but they don't have a website. I am such a product of my time aren't I? I hope this informs anyone about anything, or gives them a better sense of Mr. Carlini. Endorsements are OK as long as they aren't over the top and cheesy sounding. I don't believe his are like that. Everyone likes to show of their good hard work, and be proud of making others happy. Why not let them if they are in the customer service business?

-Dennis

Dennis,
When you do plan to go flute shopping, take me with you! I would love to help and listen if you need an extra ear.

I would love to Kara. I have no clue when it will be, but I believe I will be going to Flute world when I do. Eventhough it's like a week's drive from me! HAHAAHA. I have to purchase a clarinet at the clarinet fest this fall so that I can beat all the other competition when I get to school. It might be next year when I save the money, although maybe I will sell my two pearls, and add a little extra to it to get a somewhat intro Muramatsu. Of course I want better than intro. I also told myself I would never sell any of my instruments, but whatever. I am over that phase now. Let's see...the Muramatsu I would take now would be...way too much for me to afford right now! Of course after having a C# trill key the next flute no matter what it is has to have it. I am addicted. I will let you know when it will be Kara!!!

-Dennis

Cool, sounds like a plan! JL Smith is wonderful too. The next time I go to purchanse a flute it will be through them. I wanted to check out some Miyazawa 101's. I would like to get a silver plated flute with a good handmade mechanism to use as more of my practice flute so I have something ligthter to play on when my hands and wrists are giving me problems. I am not willing to ever give up my Powell though, so that one I will keep as my performance flute. I actually like silver plated flutes a lot because they are lighter and more comfortable for me to play. Now if only Powell would make an all plated model, that would be nice.

<Added>

I know how you feel about the C# trill, I am the same way. I used mine all the time and don't know how I ever lived without one. I just love it!

Dennis,
You can order pads on-line from Jeff Smith at JL Smith

http://www.jlsmithco.com/

He's re-doing his online ordering, but you can order online when it's back up and running.

You can also buy from Ferree's, but they'll send you a catalogue and you'll have to establish an account.

If you need to control the pad cup angle for whatever thickness
pad, Gary sells a tool I designed.

http://www.ferreestools.com/e100_flute_set.htm

If you want to know more about instrument repair Napbirt is a good organization
http://www.napbirt.org

Here is a picture of one of these clinics days that Gary Ferree has on his website.

http://www.ferreestools.com/thomaston,_ct_2003.htm

Lou came to my flute repair clinic, you can see a picture of both of us there. That day I taught "Flute Padding Utilizing the Magnehelic" and "Practical Woodwind Acoustics"

Joe B

How Funny Joe B. I just purchased a Pad Punch through them. They are sending me a catalog with that order. I will look into the Magnehelic. I spose I might need one of those too. I am spending lots of money on repair stuff! I could have just gotten all of my flutes clarinets and saxes overhauled for this! I guess it's worth it in the end when I am in school and can't afford to get my flute or clarinet repadded or corked or springed (sprung LOL). Thanks for the info Joe.

-Dennis

before you buy a magnehelic, be aware that this is a 'luxury' item for a technician.

Most good technicians do excellent repadding work without one.

I do have to tell you Micron, that lately I'm of the opinion that if you don't have a mag, then your flute work can't be as good as people using them.

They may have the art form of the skill down, but without the machine they absolutely can't find all the potential leaks. I've have a drawer of pads that look perfectly fine that leak. I pull these out of flutes everyday. Finding leaking grommets is another place the mag comes in handy.

You can use the thinnest feeler gauge all day long and never find those types of leaks. Suction and blow tesing also won't find them and believe me, it makes a huge difference in the way the flute plays when you have even one of those problems if it's far enough up on the flute.

The mag machine will absolutely pinpoint exactly where the problem is and you will be absolutely sure it's correct if you follow the right procedures with it..

Yah it's expensive, but even my apprentice says she feels blind padding without using it. She's taken stuff home to try sans Mag machine padding with the usual techniques, thought she did a great job...until...it's goes on the Mag....then it's a whole new ballgame.

Joe B

Dennis,

I would give you the same advice as Micron however. The Mag is expensive for people not in the trade where it's not getting constant use. It's worthwhile, but it needs to earn it's worth. It may not be worth justifying the expense. But that is something you'll have to decide.

Joe B