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Do skin pads swell?

Author: BflatNH
Date: 2009-10-12 12:06

Overnight it seems the top pad in the lower joint (above rh index finger) seems to have increased in thickness enough to cause C4 to be very flat and the bridge key linkage to the uj to have a noticeable gap when a rh 1, 2 or 3 key is depressed and the lh 2 is depressed. Is this known to happen?

I swabbed it after playing 12 hours earlier (it played OK then), closed the case and stored the case not to have any water sit on that key. The keywork is sturdy (R13) and overhauled 1 year ago. The pad is not loose, the screws and post are where they should be, and the white skin pad is not torn or loose. Room humidity is 50-60%. Other pads seem fine.

Any explanation? Should the pad be replaced or should I just wait?
Thanks

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Re: Do skin pads swell?

Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-10-12 12:50

Skin pads will often have a tiny hole puncutred in them at the shoulder (in the area between the cardboard backing and the shoulder) to let air escape during fitting as heat will cause the air inside the pad to expand, so this small hole (made with a needle spring tip) prevents them ballooning so they can be seated accurately, but if it's made at the sidewall or near the facing it can collect water.

Or if the pad has been installed without being punctured at all, it can also swell up with changes in temperature or possibly with low atmospheric pressure.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Do skin pads swell?

Author: pewd
Date: 2009-10-13 13:35

replace the pad.

- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas

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