The flute is a woodwind instrument in which a stream of air is blown across the mouthpiece to produce sound. This causes a vibration, which produces a musical tone. The flute’s body has a series of holes that change the sound depending on whether the flute is covered or uncovered. The holes on modern flutes are covered key caps, which each contain a pad that completely blocks the air, though some older flutes have finger holes as well. To replace flute pads, remove the old ones and replace them in the key caps, then adjust them until they fit properly.
Flute pads are necessary for the flute’s operation because they control the air flow and thus the sound. The flute will not play properly if the pads are missing, but worn, aging, or damaged flute pads can cause a variety of more subtle sound problems. The pads must be replaced when they no longer properly seal the air holes on the flute.
If the old pad has been lost, there is no need to remove it; however, if the old pad is still in the key cap, it must be removed before the new one can be installed. In most cases, this entails removing the keys from the flute in order to access the inside of the key caps and replace the flute pads. It’s critical to keep track of every screw, key, and lever removed from the flute so that they can all be replaced in their proper locations after the pads have been replaced.
Remove the old flute pads unscrewing the plastic button in the center of each pad and lifting it out of the cap. Cardboard washers are used beneath the pads to level them and ensure that they fully cover the holes. Any worn washers should be replaced, and then the new flute pad should be placed on top of the washer and leveled. Some flutes have a leveling screw under the pad that can be adjusted, while others rely solely on washers. The pad is then held in place the plastic button.
After replacing all of the pads, the keys should be returned to the flute and double-checked to ensure that they are level and fully close each hole. If this is not the case, the keys must be removed and re-adjusted, either with the leveling screw or adding or removing washers beneath the pad. The process of replacing the flute pads is complete once all of the flute pads have been installed and the holes have been properly covered.