Since opening the company, the pads used in Nagahara Flutes have been hand-made in our workshop from natural felt and high-strength hand-selected goldbeater’s skin. Some of the larger flute companies have turned to synthetic pads for their instruments. This is because these pads are relatively easy to install, and for high-volume production they cut down on the time needed to make the instrument. We’ve experimented with silicone and other synthetic materials, but thus far we feel the best material for the instrument is natural felt. We’ve continuously conducted extensive research on materials for our pads. In our opinion, natural felt is still (so far) the most reliable and consistent material, and is the least likely to tear and become “unsettled” after a few months of use.

In addition, we have recently developed a new pad design that is just as stable and responsive as our (now called) Traditional Pads. These new TRIAD PADS feature three uniquely combined materials that have yielded the same properties as our previous design, but with a slightly brighter tonal character and a bit more “crispness” in feel. The TRIAD PADS are also much easier to install and adjust. No overnight settling time or break-in period is needed in comparison with our Traditional pads. This was planned from the beginning, keeping in mind that less experienced flute technicians have not always been comfortable working with our Traditional pads in the past. Now, even our customers and dealers in Europe, Asia, and Australia can choose Nagahara TRIAD PADS with no installation or maintenance worries.

More information about Nagahara Flutes can be found in our Product Brouchure.