Klarinet Archive - Posting 000070.txt from 1996/02

From: "Lorne G. Buick" <mcheramy@-----.CA>
Subj: Re: Corks & Pads [leather]
Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 14:32:28 -0500

>Last summer I purchased a Buffet R-13 (1961) from the estate of a friend
>of mine who had been a school band director and an excellent musician.
>All of the pads on this instrument are leather. In the discussion
>regarding pads, I have only seen one reference to leather pads. What
>are the pros and cons of this type pad? I need to have some work done
>(several noisy keys and a slight leak in the right had joint). Would I
>be wise to replace all the pads with the traditional pads?

I played a B&H 1010 (with all leather pads) for several years, toured with
it a lot through many changes of weather/climate, altitude etc. and never
had the slightest problem with any of the pads. It still seals really
tight, (this is confirmed by my repairman, not just my opinion) though I
hardly ever play it. I would never bother to change any of these pads until
one started leaking.

On the other hand, I ordered my first Rossi clarinet with leather pads and
it sealed like a sieve. The quality of the pads was not good, so I had them
all replaced.

So all I can say is, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If the pads don't
leak or have other problems, don't spend $300+ on a repad. Heck, maybe you
can even get a Kaspar mouthpiece with the money you save! :-)

LGB