Klarinet Archive - Posting 000074.txt from 1995/05

From: Lorne G Buick - Music TA <lgbuick@-----.CA>
Subj: Re: cork pads
Date: Tue, 2 May 1995 14:01:33 -0400

Just like to second the opinions and caveats below... I've had cork pads
on the top joints of most of my clarinets over the years, and I think
their influence on the tone is miniscule compared to the mouthpiece, reed,
barrel, ligature... and player!

On Tue, 2 May 1995, David Gilman wrote:
> >
> I have cork pads on my Selmer, and I love them. I've had them for seven
> years now, and I haven't had to adjust or replace a single one. After I had
> them installed, the instrument played much more easily than before. But,
> there are caveats. The cork must be of the highest quality, otherwise the
> pores in it will be large enough to cause leaks. Also, the pads must be
> perfectly seated, since they are firm and do not "give" like softer bladder
> pads. If you have them put on, have it done by the best repairman you can
> find. Bill Brannen (Evanston, IL) did mine.
>
> As for the tone, I have not noticed a substantial difference in my own case.
> My current repairman says Mr. Laubin (who makes the Laubin oboe) is
> vehemently against putting them on his oboes because they brighten the sound
> too much. I'm sure we'll find plenty of other opinions!
>
> David Gilman