Klarinet Archive - Posting 000597.txt from 1997/02

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: (no subject)
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 13:55:13 -0500

Ben,
Cork is definitely a better material to use than normal bladder
pads. However, there is an even better alternative now. I have had my
horns equipped with a new synthetic pad by Dave Straubinger, who is in
Indianna. His pads are ow standard issue on all Powell and Brannen flutes.
They are a plastic covered by a standard layer of bladder. What this does
is to let almost no air out while keeping the "feel" and venting
properties of bladder. They don't cone and they adapt to the minute
changes in the tone hole. My B-flat R-13 was repadded FOUR years ago and
still doesn't leak! Not one pad has worn out. I STRONGLY recommend you ask
your technician to contact Dave about them.
There are other artificial materials which I cannot speak to.
However, some have been known to have problems of:1) Falling out because
the glue won't stick to them, 2) Popping when they come off the holes, 3)
not adjusting to minute changes in the wood (or slight indentations caused
by wearing at the wood grain), 4) hissing or othere unpleasant sound
qualities associated with the way the air vents. None of these problems
happens with Dave's pads.

Fred Jacobowitz
Clarinet/Sax Instructor, Peabody Preparatory

On Sun, 16 Feb 1997, ben ellenbogen & pegeen brosnan wrote:

> hi all:
> my r13 needs new pads. what are the pros/cons of replacing the upper
> joint pads with cork?
> also, do mouthpieces wear out? my b45 is 5 years old and seems as good
> as ever.
> finally, i want to try out some thick blank grand concert reeds. right
> now i'm using #3 vandoren v-12's - what's the equivalent strength for
> the grand concerts?
> thanks,
> ben
>