Klarinet Archive - Posting 000301.txt from 1995/08

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Any cure for sticky saxophone pads?
Date: Tue, 22 Aug 1995 23:50:21 -0400

Stephen,
I am assumint that it is the PAD which is sticking, not the
keywork binding up. If that is th case, the student has obviously been
eating or drinking sugary substances while, or just before playing. And
his exhalations are full of sticky stuff, which collects on all available
surfaces and causes pads to stick to tone holes. The solution is twofold.
First, dip a q-tip in alcohol and use it to clean off the surface of the
pad and the tone hole. The alcohol won't soak-and-warp the leather. Then,
read the riot
act to the student about rinsing his/her mouth before playing AND never
eating while playing. I have had this happen on numerous occasions and it
works like a charm for my students. Good luck.

Fred Jacobowitz

On Mon, 21 Aug 1995, Stephen Cranefield wrote:

> Does anyone know of a successful treatment for sticky pads on
> saxophones? A colleague has a pupil with a new alto which is causing
> him problems: the G# key keeps sticking.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Stephen
>