Klarinet Archive - Posting 000151.txt from 2004/08

From: "Kevin Fay" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Care of Leather Pads?
Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2004 20:46:15 -0400

Christy Erickson asked:

<<<I really just wondered how long any type of leather pads, in general,
last-especially if an instrument is not played regularly. I guess I would
wonder about a bass clarinet for example, that doesn't see much use. Would
it better to go with some material other than leather if the instrument will
be unused for lengthy periods of time? Perhaps it doesn't matter if the
leather is treated?>>>

I have a friend, Scott Granlund, who is both a great repair technician and a
stunning saxophone player. See
www.http://www.speakeasy.org/~granlund/onsaxophoning.html. I've seen him
perform on Buescher saxophones with original white leather pads over 70
years old; apparently some last a good long time.

OTOH, some of the brown leather pads on my Buffet alto are shot after 10
years. Maybe it's the silicone? ;-(

kjf

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