Flute Pad Installation

OPEN HOLE CUPS
Metal bushings must be replaced with JS leakproof Delrin bushings (other brands of plastic bushings do not seal well with Digital Gold pads). These bushings slide on and off smoothly and make shimming an easy job while reducing the likelihood of damaging a pad. The delrin bushings, gaskets for bushings and plastic retainer screws are essential for making JS pads work because they are flexible and provide a seal against the inner collar (metal bushings will leak). Order bushings that are .1mm (.004")smaller than the outside diameter of the cup chimney.

WARNING
There is an aluminum collar hidden near the center beneath the skin. Avoid using a metal tool when prying up a bushing or you may pinch the skin against the hidden collar and cut it – use your fingernail. If you must use a tool, only catch the outside edge of the bushing (do not insert the tool too far).

DELRIN BUSHING KIT
Delrin bushing kits come in a 6 compartment container (5 per size) from 7.6 to 8.1mm Sizes 7.5 to 8.3mm are also available.

DELRIN BUSHING UPGRADE KITSRequired for Yamaha 500 series & up and for some older flutes with tapered cup chimneys (old Haynes etc). Stainless steel sleeves slip over the old chimneys and provide a new straight surface for the delrin bushings.

GO HERE FOR BUSHING UPGRADE DETAILS

BUSHING GASKETS
Thin gaskets for bushings - to provide a tight seal for imperfect chimney/cup alignments (solves leaks in otherwise perfect pad jobs). Thin rubber gaskets are trapped between the bushing lip and the pad surface to prevent air leakage.

MAGNETIC RETAINERS
A small pair of powerful magnets (one attached to the retainer disc and the other to the cup) serve to hold the pad securely within the cup. The screwless metal surface of the retaining washer is more streamlined thus benefiting the acoustical properties and projection of the flute. Since there is no screw hole in the center, there is no possibility of leakage in this area. The magnets exert just the right amount of constant tension on the pad. The magnetic retainer is a simple and attractive improvement over a screw and hole that can loosen, leak and fail. They can be retrofitted to any brand of existing flute. Kit assembly includes magnets, magnet housings and sterling silver washers.

GO HERE FOR MAGNETIC RETAINER INSTALLATION DETAILS

RETAINER LEAKS
Be sure to install JS soft plastic retainer screw seals between the retainingwasher and the screw head. They prevent air leaks and keep the screws from loosening. Do not place spacers between the washer and the spud because the centers of Gold pads do not crush – using spacers can cause leaks. In some cases you may need to replace the original retainer screws with our longer ones. We also stock and recommend recessed washers in case your flute has flat washers.

SHIMMING
For stability, avoid more than .012" (.3mm) shim thickness). Use plastic rather than paper shims because paper can swell/shrink up to 20% with moisture/humidity changes and cause leaks. Bending/tilting the key side to side so its level the tonehole is fine but never bend it from front to back or you will distort the cup. Never place anything between the pad and the tonehole in order to bend a cup because it will crush and damage the pads - use your bare fingers only. Pads must be shimmed within .001" (or less) of perfection. Keep partial shims to a minimum. Beware that the pad is not so tight that it must be forced into the cups or the outer ring can be damaged or dislodged. Regular pads should measure .1mm (.004”) smaller than the cups. Trill pads should measure .2mm (.008”) smaller so they can be floated in. Cups should be well centered with the toneholes or a leak will result when the tonehole is too close to a retaining washer or bushing. Use a feeler gauge. If you use a leaklight the pads will be too light on the hinge side. You can use a leak light to determine side to side shimming but it will mislead you with front to back shimming.

TRILLS
The plastic rims are very thin so take care not to overheat them or poke through them with a needle when installing. Do not use shellac for the small C# & trills because it is very brittle and can easily lose its grip on the slippery plastic. Use hot glue and check with a leak light.

NO HEAVY CLAMPING
Remember that these are not felt pads and should not be treated so. Do not use clamps on them. Do not overtighten the retaining screws or you will wrinkle/distort the pads and create leaks.

DAMAGE
If a gold pad suffers a dent or fingernail mark etc.  Heat up a piece of thick flat metal in an over to 300 deg F (use an oven thermometer and do not exceed 320 deg F).