 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2012-09-21 00:48
Is there a noticeable difference in sound between all cork pads on upper joint and all bladder pads. And if so is one brighter than the other?
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-09-21 02:37
I imagine you're going to get opinions tell you cork will be brighter, or that there is no difference at all. Cork is a harder material than bladder pads, so it is a definite that if there is any difference, that the cork would be brighter. I happen to believe that it makes no difference, that the pad of either type is too far away from the air column to make a difference in that matter. I've heard science that proves it doesn't even matter what material the body of the instrument is made from, that it only matters the internal structure. Anyhow, that's not really the debate here.
I think the most important difference you should concern yourself with between cork vs bladder is the seal of the tone holes, and the loudness of key clicks.
Cork pads are louder when the close, because they are a harder material. If you are heavy handed, this may be enough to deter you from making the switch. It will increase the noise your instrument makes when pressing keys.
Cork pads require very even tone holes, and I'm pretty sure this requires extra work from a skilled repairman to have the instrument seal properly. I do not know what goes into the work, but I think it goes that once they are installed, they last a very long time. I think it's better to have a very skilled professional do the work, as it may require lots of experience.
That's what I know about the subject. Good luck.
Drew S.
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2012-09-21 11:04
Thanks Drew. I currently have bladder and will be changing to cork and will report back on the difference if any.
Post Edited (2012-09-21 11:05)
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Author: MarlboroughMan
Date: 2012-09-21 12:11
I've only switched to cork once--on an R13 I played in the '90s. When I did, the difference wasn't so much in terms of timbre, but in the clarity of sound. In my case, at least, the sound became "harder" edged, more clear. I dig that, so it was a good move. I've never done it to my Wurlitzers or Selmers though. I wouldn't do it to the Wurlitzers (though I've played a set that had been given the Moennig cork treatment, and they played very well), but might do it one day for one of my old Selmers.
Eric
******************************
The Jazz Clarinet
http://thejazzclarinet.blogspot.com/
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2012-09-21 13:42
I am working on a M series Selmer that I acquired with bladder pads on the upper and the tone is a bit muffled. They are sealing correctly and the pad heights are also correct. I will do a complete overhaul using cork on the upper joint and leather on the lower joint. It should bring the instrument to life. It plays in tune all the way up and down the clarinet which is the main concern that I had. I can get the max out of this Selmer in time.
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2012-09-21 13:52
After much experience, I prefer cork and white kid leather to all else.
richard smith
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Author: Lorenzo_M
Date: 2012-09-21 14:50
I agree they seem to add clarity. Especially compared to Valentinos, which seem to muffle the sound a bit (some call this "darker", I call it "muddy"). Bladder, depending on firmness of the felt and tightness of the skin...tends to be in between. What I don't like is sometimes bladder will buzz when the air hits it and it's not yet wet...
I also like the feel of cork better. It just feels precise. Though leather is nice, Guy Chadash uses an interesting synthetic that I think is the best I've ever had. Very firm, and seals perfectly, but not as squishy as Valentinos feel. It remains to be seen how they'll hold up in a few years, but they feel more solid than Valentinos. It's like playing with all cork pads.
Anyway, the differences are so minute, unless you are super-sensitive to it, you'll likely not hear anything. The audience from more than 5-10 feet away is unikely to tell. I personally use corks because I'm used to their sound, response, and feel - but I've played my instrument with bladder and also valentinos, and after a while got used to that too.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-09-21 23:35
Drew Sorensen says: "Cork pads require very even tone holes, and I'm pretty sure this requires extra work from a skilled repairman to have the instrument seal properly."
The work has two steps:
(1) making sure the rims are level and, if necessary, slightly inclined so that the pad comes down evenly at all points; and
(2) sealing the wood around the rim to stop subtle leaks through the wood grain.
When it's done right, it can make dramatic improvements.
Ken Shaw
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