Klarinet Archive - Posting 000850.txt from 1997/08

From: clarinat@-----.com (Nathaniel Johnson)
Subj: Re: Pad question
Date: Wed, 20 Aug 1997 14:26:12 -0400

I would agree with you that the factory pads in this case are probably
sufficient. I would disagree about having a brand new horn (excuse
me...instrument) overhauled immediately upon purchase. Here's why: As a
new instrument is relocated, i.e. sold, it naturally will swell or
contract from the change in climate/humidity. The same will happen when
it begins to be played. This slight change in the instrument will cause
the posts (the little silver things that stick out of the clarinet and to
which the keys are attached) to get slightly closer or farther away,
sometimes causing the keys to bind. I don't believe this process ever
stops in the lifetime of a clarinet that is being played regularly, but I
DO belive that it is much more severe during the breaking-in period.
Consequently, I would not spend money to have a brand-new instrument
overhauled when it will just get out of adjustment again very quickly.
This is similar to the opinion that I posted a number of months ago on
the subject of breaking in reeds. I said that until the reed gets used
to being wet and dry, wet and dry (and being played, too, to an extent),
the fibers will we constantly "moving", so any balancing or adjustment
would be in vain, as the reed would just change again the next day, or
even the next hour. I will not speculate on what the best way to break
in an instrument is, or how long it takes.

I would rather not revisit the subject of how to make your reeds last
longer (although if someone has a strong opinion, be my guest), but I
would invite further comment on breaking in/overhauling clarinets. My
self-esteem is at an acceptable level, so flames are welcome, too.

Nathaniel Johnson
Conductor / Clarinettist
All-Around Good Guy
University of Northern Colorado
clarinat@-----.com

On Tue, 19 Aug 1997 18:07:19 -0400 m_shoe@-----.com (Michelle N Shoemaker)
writes:
>I spent some time today reading past postings about pad types and
>the pros and cons.
>I do not want to start another "pad" thread, but I do have one
>question:
>
>When I bought my first R-13 back in 1986 (I was 13), I was told to
>have a complete
>overhaul done to my horn before even taking it out of the case.
>If I buy a new R-13 with GoreTex pads, and this is my "pad of choice",
>then aren't the pads put on in the factory sufficient?
>(I realize that some people prefer to replace SPECIFIC pads on the
>clarinet
>with cork or Valentino.)
>
>Thanks,
>
>Michelle Shoemaker
>