Klarinet Archive - Posting 000156.txt from 2011/08

From: Clark Fobes <claroneman@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Rant against a trend in pad work
Date: Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:40:20 -0400

I so rarely post to the Klarinet any more, but I have been seeing a disturbing trend in clarinet repair that I want to address. This is the use of synthetic pads for ALL pads on the clarinet.

I want to say first that I am not against the use of synthetic pads entirely- they have a use, particularly in the upper joint pads of the bass clarinet. They are probably a good idea for student instruments that receive a lot of abuse. But for professional level clarinets I only use them in two places: the Ab/Eb pad on the lower joint and the F# ring key pad on the upper joint (opens over the throat G tone hole). Synthetic pads are not a good choice for pads that are sprung open.

Here are several reasons. Once synthetic pads are seated they have almost no give at all. In the case of the long E/B of the lower joint, this can cause leaks unless the mechanism has absolutely no play and the F/C and E/B pads are in perfect synch. Because synthetic pads have almost no "give" or "cushion" they slap the tone hole and it is virtually impossible to make a good legato when slurring from G/D to E/B. The very crisp edge of the pads create turbulence and noise unless the pad is adjusted very high from the tone hole, which changes the pitch (towards sharpness) and creates too much distance for facile playing. And finally, most of the synthetic pads I have seen do not have a stiff backing, consequently the pad cup must be filled with glue completely (that technique seems to escape most repair men) other wise the synthetic pad will eventually creep up into any gaps in the glue and will eventually leak.

A good pad job should be quiet, have a soft feel and look CLEAN.

I understand the trend. Synthetic pads are much easier to install than traditional pads and do not require the skill or the sensitivity required to "float" a skin or leather pad and the job can be done faster.

I am distressed at the lack of artist level repair work in general. I hope that players will start looking more carefully at the work they are paying for and demand a higher standard.

Clark W Fobes
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