I'm just back from Indianapolis, where I successfully completed training to become a certified Straubinger Pad Technician. Straubinger™ Pads are designed specifically for hand-made flutes and consist of different materials and components than a traditional pad. The actual installation of the Straubinger™Pad requires careful preparation of the flute. The instrument must be in the very finest mechanical condition in order for the pads to be installed properly. The tone holes must be shaped correctly and the cups perfectly aligned over the tone holes. The spuds must be at a precise height, and the screw washers and bushings (grommets) a particular shape. Special tools are required to perform this work.  The training is an intensive three-day course, designed specifically to cover the concepts, methods of application, and procedures required to install Straubinger Pads correctly. To learn about Straubinger™ flutes or pads call me or visit http://www.straubingerflutes.com.