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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000051.txt from 2007/04
From: <mwquacker@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [DR-L] cleaning sticky pads (cork)
Date: Sat, 07 Apr 2007 12:37:22 -0400
Further comments and questions below from Miriam:
---- chad taylor <taylor_chad@-----.com> wrote:
>
> 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.
I will certainly pass this on to my students to whom I have already advised to brush their teeth before playing (esp. after eating anything), or at least to rinse well with water.
> 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.
That is why I would only use a new bill. Not sure where I first got this advice.
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.
>
What about placing a leaf of blotter paper underneath the key(s), esp. if it's an octave key. The ones that seem to stick most on sax are the larger ones.
> 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.
>
Thanks for the advice!
Please elaborate on the procedure for using the pad cleaner. Is it necessary to remove the key/pad? Is it best to advise my students to see their repair tech about any sticky pad?>
If you have any further questions, or concerns please do not hesitate
> to e-mail me.
>
Best Regards,
> Chad Taylor
>Taylor Bassoon
> Services
>
And to you likewise,
Miriam
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