Klarinet Archive - Posting 000557.txt from 1998/02

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: leaky pad
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 1998 18:20:01 -0500

David...

First, the problem probably is not the pad unless the pad is torn or
somehow badly damaged or hardened with age. The problem, most likely, is
that the mechanism to the B/E key is slightly bent, causing the pad not to
go down all the way. I could show you what to do, but I can't describe
the process. I suggest you take it to a repair person and have that
person adjust the key...for a couple of bucks, you would then be able to
lightly press the LH B/E key and have a B come out......without any
pressure! If the pad needs to be replaced, the best way to do it is to:

1. have a couple of the correct size replacement pads handy
2. have stick shelac or the really neat stick plastic
3. have a mini-torch or blue flame butane lighter
4. have a flat piece of metal to help seat the pad

remove the key and heat up the outside cup of the pad - if you do it
without removing the key, you risk damaging the horn. When the glue heats
up, remove the pad. Use the butane to heat the stick glue or shelac and
but a dab on the back of a pad. Best to rough up the pad a bit before
putting the shelac on - this helps the pad backing absorb the glue/shelac
thus helping to avoid a padding falling out later. reheat the cup of the
key/pad and put the pad in place....the heated metal cup should melt the
glue enough to form a bond. Use the flat metal/plastic tool to level the
pad and replace the key on the horn. Once the key is in place, you may
gently reheat the key cup and reseat the pad if the pad does not seat
properly.

Roger Garrett
IWU

On Fri, 13 Feb 1998, david rothbaum wrote:

> im sorry if this has been disscussed a million times before but i need
> to know a quick fix for a leaky pad that i can do myself. the middle
> line B is very difficult to produce due to the lowest pad on the right
> side leaking badly. when i blow to test for leaks its very obvious
> where its coming from because as im testing it if i have someone lightly
> push that pad it stops. any help with this would be great.
>
> thanks in advance,
>
> david
>
>