Chiff and Fipple Forums

Good morning, Does anyone know what pads and sizes Hammy Hamilton uses on his flutes? My flute and keys looks the same as the one in the link but mine is a 6 key. They all look to be the same size except the E key looks a little bigger. I reached out to Hammy a few weeks back but have not gotten a response so I figured I'd ask here before I pester him some more. Thanks in advance.

https://www.irishflutestore.com/product ... ey-d-flute

Tou-Che

It’s pretty much impossible to tell from Blayne’s photo of a different instrument, what size your pads are.

Here’s my advice for what it’s worth: Unless you want to buy bulk pads online, remove the keys, remove the existing pads (if you are capable and so inclined- you do this at your own risk. Especially considering the “unique” spring system Hammy uses) and take a trip (with your Hammy keys) to a band instrument repair shop that has confirmed via telephone that they have and are willing to sell individual pads. Depending on where you are, that might be the most difficult part of the adventure. Here is St. Louis, MO, I had a fellow band instrument tech who would sell me parts. He went out of business and it took me about 20 calls to find another willing seller- even being a tech myself!!

Once there, have the technician dry fit pads to the key to insure a proper fit. The reason is, not all these pads are exactly the same size or shape. Also, modern manufactured piccolo/clarinet key cups are made to accommodate a card-backed pad which most modern trad flute makers take into consideration- but you never know. Most Bb, Ab/G#, side-touch C and both F keys are a 7mm-9mm pad. Lower Eb/D# and non-pewter C and C# range from 15mm-19mm. Make sure they have these in stock in “thin” or “medium” pads before you waste your time.

We could start a discussion about pad technology, but that would derail your post...some other time!