Flute Pad Types at Flute Center

by David Sheppard

Flute pads play a crucial role in shaping the sound and performance of your instrument. From traditional woven felt pads to modern synthetic options like Straubinger and Pisoni S2, each type offers unique benefits suited to different flutes and playing styles. In this blog, David Sheppard, one of Flute Center’s Master Repair Technicians, explores the various types of flute pads available and the factors to consider when choosing the right one for your flute.

Woven Felt Pads 

Woven felt pads are soft and adaptable, making them the ideal choice for vintage, student, and even some modern high-end flutes. Woven felt pads are constructed of a cardboard backing and a cushion of woven felt, all wrapped in a double bladder skin. Because of their soft construction, felt pads can compensate for issues commonly associated with student instruments, like imperfections in tone holes. However, due to their natural materials, felt pads are known to shift and change with small changes in humidity and temperature. Woven felt pads are often associated with the traditional “French” flute sound; a dark, warm sound that is best described as a hug, full of color and richness.

Straubinger Pads

Invented in 1985, Straubinger pads are the flute industry “gold standard.” These pads are made almost entirely from synthetic components; a thin plastic Delrin shell and a pad cushion of micro suede are wrapped in a bladder skin and installed on a flat stabilizer. Unlike their traditional felt counterparts, Straubinger pads remain unaffected by most minor environmental changes. Straubinger pads also provide a clearer response and brighter, more powerful tone than traditional pads. It’s important to note that Straubinger performance and installation is dependent on a finely tuned flute, and are best suited for handmade instruments. Flutes equipped with Straubinger pads require specialized care and installation from a Straubinger-certified technician.

Pisoni S2 Pads

The Pisoni S2 was introduced to the flute market after the patent on Straubinger pads expired. The S2 [Straubinger 2] is not a direct copy of the Straubinger pad, and includes some minor changes: the thickness of the plastic Delrin shell and internal suede cushion is altered, and the pad has a single-layer laminated skin instead of the traditional double bladder skin. Despite these minor adaptations, there are no functional differences between the S2 and Straubinger pads; all installation techniques, processes, and maintenance cycles are the same. Like Straubinger pads, S2 pads require specialized care and installation from Straubinger-certified technicians. Many modern intermediate and handmade flutes use Pisoni S2 pads.

Jim Schmidt Gold Pads 

Jim Schmidt (JS) Gold pads offer a complete departure from traditional flute pads. These synthetic pads are constructed with an external shell of plastic Delrin and aluminum. The traditional internal suede is replaced by a closed cell foam, and the traditional outer skin is replaced with a synthetic film that is infused with gold. These pads require a perfectly flat tone hole and near-perfect keywork. For that reason, only handmade professional flutes with tight mechanical tolerances are eligible for these pads. The acoustical signature of JS Gold pads is described as rich and vibrant. 

Muramatsu Pads

The Muramatsu “MA pad” is a feature of all new Muramatsu Flutes, beginning with serial number #39400. The MA pad has a solid brass shell with a silicon and suede cushion, which is wrapped in a proprietary pad skin. MA pads are designed to be used with the Muramatsu ring and washer assembly and the Muramatsu Lotus stabilizer system.  Because of these unique systems, specialized training and certifications are required to correctly service Muramatsu flutes. Muramatsu only sells MA pads to Muramatsu-certified technicians, so it is important to always have your Muramatsu flute serviced by a technician with the right credentials. Due in part to their innovative pad design, Muramatsu flutes are known for their dark, robust sound, and are a favorite of amateur and professional players alike.

Other Maker-Specific Pads

Flute Center offers manufacturer-made “OEM pads” and parts at client request. We have many major brands in stock and can accommodate almost any request. 

Flute Center recommends having a Clean, Oil, and Adjustment (COA) done to your flute at least once every 12 to 18 months. This is a recommended maintenance cycle for any flute regardless of pad type. Ignoring the maintenance cycle of flute pads could have detrimental effects on the overall condition of the flute.