Klarinet Archive - Posting 001399.txt from 1999/01

From: CEField@-----.com
Subj: Re: Re: [kl] Question about pads
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 10:53:42 -0500

In a message dated 1/27/99 11:01:24 PM, you wrote:

<<Because of what I just
mentioned, I would strongly suggest that you not do this work yourself.
The work, however, does not take a great deal of time to do and you
should be in and out of the store in no time.>>

On the contrary, I think that replacing the register key pad is one of the
easier do-it-yourself projects. And the little things you do for yourself can
help you understand your clarinet better.

The register key is readily accessible; there is just one screw to keep track
of. The size of the pad/vent opening make it fairly easy to seat properly.
(Those big pads on the lower joint can frustrate you so stay away from those
until you feel more confident.)

Take note of the distance between the existing pad and the register vent when
the key is open all the way and use that distance as your guide. Also take a
mental (or real) photo of the amount of pad that shows above the key cup's top
edge now. Chances are a medium pad is all you need. And you can buy little
tubes of pad glue to make these kinds of simple repairs. (Don't go overboard
on the amount of glue or you'll end up getting it on the outside of the pad
cup. One could say "less is more" when it comes to the glue.)

After replacing the pad, allow it to "seat" a while, maybe even overnight. The
spring that holds the key closed will most likely offer enough "clamping"
action. Then play your clarinet. You will know almost immediately if your
repair was less than perfect.

If you fail and the fix doesn't work right for you, and you don't want to
experiment more, then you can take your clarinet to a music store or whatever.

Cindy

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