Hi guys, I'm thinking of investing on a set of JS gold pads for my Altus 807. May I know whether anyone have installed these pads on their flutes, and whether it really brings about a significant improvement? Thanks!

I am not sure on them. I am able to order them from my pad supplier, but was wondering the same as they are not cheap!

-Dennis

May I know whether anyone have installed these pads on their flutes, and whether it really brings about a significant improvement?

Define significant improvement? What type of improvement are you looking for: Durability, feel, response, tone, stability?

I install quite a few of them, but they are not for everybody, depending on what you're looking for them to do.

Joe B

I am looking at how durability of the pads, how well they seal, and whether they really improve the tone. I am particularly interested in the tone improvement part. Does the gold pads make the tone warmer and darker, like what a gold flute does? Or will it amplify whatever type of tone the flute already possess?

I would highly have to doubt that gold specs in a pad are going to give it a warmer sound, but hey I have been wrong before. I would think it would be more on the logic of the gold plated lip plate and how some people truly beleive that it changes the sound on the flute, somehow making it warmer.
I would be interested to know though.

I am looking at how durability of the pads,

They are VERY durable and stable.

how well they seal

The seal is very good, but like for straub installations, the tones holes must be made as level as possible and the mechanism shouldn't have a lot of play in it. If your tone holes can be made level enough, they will seal just fine.

and whether they really improve the tone. I am particularly interested in the tone improvement part. Does the gold pads make the tone warmer and darker, like what a gold flute does? Or will it amplify whatever type of tone the flute already possess?

The comments I have received fall into a few categories. I will say that on most flutes you will notice that it is louder. "Some" people subsequently interpret that as brighter. Brighter or darker are subjective and one person's description for dark is another ones for bright.

No it will not sound like a gold flute. You will notice a different feel and better responsiveness.

If you have aggressive finger technique you might not like that the pads are noisier if you tend to slap the keys hard while playing.

I have an old muramatsu padded with traditional felt pads, JS gold pads, JS yellow crystal pads, and two types of omni pads installed using two differing methods. These are lumped all into one flute so people can see the difference. One of the plateau keys has been retrofitted with a JS magnetic retainer system. (no screw and a flat washer face.)

If you'd like to see that flute and are in my area you can. I'm in CT but the flute will be with me at our repair convention in Minneapolis next weekend and then it is going to Heid Music in Appleton WI before coming back here.

Joe B

Hi Joe, this is a bit off topic, but may I know whether you've repadded the Altus 807 before? If so, may I know whether the thumb key and the G# key are of the same size? I hope to make sure before I order the pads. Thanks in advance!

Haven't put them in an 807 before. But I do have a new one in stock and I can check for you..

Joe B

Joe , your flute shrunk

That'll be great! Thanks Joe!

My dear Fraternity brother....

My flute did not "shrink". That is another flute, 6 hole bamboo... I was playing the william tell overture on it for that concert as a gag.

Joe B
(What am I going to do with you Petric?)

now if we could both shrink it would be great, I just hope they don't charge by the pound next time I fly

now if we could both shrink it would be great, I just hope they don't charge by the pound next time I fly