The Straubinger Pad is most for the serious
flutist. When correctly installed, they
provide a level of performance and
reliability rarely achieved with conventional
pads. This is because, unlike regular felt
pads, Straubinger pads are machined from
Delrin plastic, and are installed on a Delrin
stabilizer, both of which are perfectly flat
and round.
The
pad cushion is a thin layer of Scotch felt.
The only organic components in this pad are
the skin covering and the thin paper backing.
(Refer to illustrations)
Cross-section
of Straubinger flute pad
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Cross-section of conventional
flute pad
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The key to a fine pad is in the preparation
of the flute prior to installation. This is
absolutely critical when in installing
Straubingers, to the extent that David
Straubinger will only provide pads to
technicians he has personally trained. He
taught John Lagerquist the correct procedures
for tone-hole leveling, as well as, spud and
grommel modification. The amount of pad
protusion is determined with a ground steel
.014 inch gauge, and all cups then are
manipulated accordingly.
As
with any pad job, all play in the steels and
individual keys must be completely absent.
Each cup on the flute is measured in
thousandths of an inch, as is the diameter of
the grommer for the French pads. Pads are
ordered for the particular instrument. Once
installed Straubinger pads become a permanent
part of your flute. They should not need
replacing. Occasionally, a split skin will
need replacing, but not the entire pad.
FLutes
with Straubinger pads cover perfectly with
minimal finger pressure. Adjustments tend to
last longer because the pad is almost
completely unchangeable. Sometimes, after an
overhaul, .001 inch or .0005 inch will need
to be added to a pad or two. Usually nothing
more will need doing after this except
standard maintenance.
Flutes
with these pads are a joy to play. Huge low
notes, ravishing pianissimos, delicate
attacks, and crisp articulation are all there
in abundance. Best of all your flute will
feel like this every time you play, so you
can turn your attention and imagination to
sounding fabulous.
Straubinger
pads are
also available for
piccolos.
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Cross-section of a Straubinger
piccolo pad |
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