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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000046.txt from 2007/04
From: "chad taylor" <taylor_chad@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [DR-L] cleaning sticky pads (cork)
Date: Fri, 06 Apr 2007 18:45:03 -0400
Hi All:
Here's the actual lowdown on sticky pads. When we play our
instruments, at time there may be small particles from whatever we eat or
drink that can sometimes accumulate onto the pads. This "residue" will
become sticky or tacky and cause ANY type of pad to stick. With leather pads
on saxes and bassoons it is not uncommon for the leather to become tacky
from humidity, or even any type od preservative, or leather pore sealant to
make the pad tacky was well.
The "cures" that have been listed from being a woodwind repair
technician I simply cannot agree with as being effective or a long term fix
for sticky pads. I will elaborate on each one.
1.) The dollar bill trick- The answer that it works as an abrasive is an
tall tale. Most of the time the reason why it works is because the particles
of dirt and other mystery substances from the dollar being in god only knows
how many peoples hands, will accumulate on the sticky residue that
accumulates on the pads when you pull it across the pad facing. This will
only temporarily cure the sticky pad, and will definitely reduce the life of
a pad. This is the exact same thing that will happen with using any of the
graphite procedures that have been mentioned.
2.)Wedging closed keys open- This will indeed keep the pad from sticking
temporarily but, as the horn is played it will start to stick. Plus you are
not removing the sticky residue off the pad. This will also start to make
the pad leak from excessive buildup of residue.
The only way to properly rememdy the sticky pad is to do one of 2
things. The first one is to have the pad replaced. The second one is to use
a specifcally designated pad cleaner to remove the dirt and grime off the
pad. For leather and bladder pads I used a formula of pad cleaner called pad
juice. Most music stores should beable to order it. With cork pads, I tend
to use denatured alcohol as it has a quick evaporation time. These methods I
have found thus far to be the ONLY effective methods for remedying sticky
pads. I am not saying that this the end all or that I am totally right, as I
am always looking for better techniques in my instrument repair practice.
If you have any further questions, or concerns please do not hesitate
to e-mail me.
Best Regards,
Chad Taylor
Taylor Bassoon
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