 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Richard
Date: 2003-02-12 15:33
In the thread 'Since We're talking Swabs' Hans mentioned that he has used pad savers for '>14 years'.
Hans: have you or anyone else who uses them ever had any problems with your register key or thumb tone hole extensions losening or leaking because of using pad savers? I've been using them with 'crossed fingers'.
thanks
Richard
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Author: Hans
Date: 2003-02-12 20:03
Richard,
I haven't had any of the problems you mentioned.
The clarinet gets inspected a few times annually by a repair technician who always remarks on its fine condition. (He says the same about my saxophones; maybe he is just being diplomatic.)
I don't understand how pad savers might contribute to these problems. They should attract whatever moisture they contact, then release it gradually so that there is no free water inside the clarinet and so that there are no sudden great fluctuations in humidity. I would expect the free water to be a greater cause for concern.
Hans
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Author: Richard
Date: 2003-02-12 20:57
Hans
Thanks for your reply, which does answer my question. However, my concern wasn't moisture but rather the action of the Pad savers rubbing back and forth against the little extentions from tne tone holes of the register and thumb hole keys. Sorry, I don't know what the're called and I may be wrong in assumeing all clarinets have them. Since you have regular checkups without any problems I quess my concern is unnecessary.
Thanks
Richard
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Author: Hans
Date: 2003-02-13 01:08
Richard,
Thanks for clarifying.
I don't think there is much movement of the padsavers after they are inserted and, even if there were, they are soft and should not abrade anything in the bore. Your concern is something new to me and I hope that someone else will add to this thread to bring additional perpective. In the meantime, I plan to do a search on the subject. If I find anything of interest I'll let you know.
Best wishes,
Hans
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-02-13 03:23
I use "pad savers" sometimes to help dry the bore, but never leave them in for more than a half hour, or so. I've pulled a "pad saver" out of an instrument four hours + after I finished playing it for a fairly long while and found it to feel too damp to the touch.
I have a sneaking suspicion that they hold moisture inside the instrument for too long a time and can't help but to feel that it can't be too good for the wood or the metal, as the case may be, since that moisture just about has to evaporate just as much inside the instrument as the "pad saver" might "wick" it off to the atmosphere.
I've never had any tangible problems not using a "pad saver" either, and just drying the instrument by hand and free air. Never had problams with the pads, either way.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-02-13 05:09
When I want a split to open up I just leave a damp pad saver in the instrument for a few hours. Is that what you want when you use them?
I've seen many a clarinet/flute with mouldy pads - almost always in conjuction with a pad saver.
I can understand how a pad "saver" would cause mould by retaining a damp environment and reducing air circulation.
I can understand how pads can be damaged by the lint deposit often cuased by a pad "saver".
But I can't for the life of me think of any process by which the item would SAVE pads.
I see the product as an enormous market con.
The company should be sued for misleading advertising.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-02-13 05:11
As an instrument repairer I make a lot of money out of them. Why would you keep moisture inside the horn deliberately? which is exactly what pad savers do. They make the case stink, especially in warm climates; there is nothing like the mixed aroma of animal glue and spittle (An Amati allusion). A pull through that is regularly washed and replaced is best. Keep using pad savers and I may yet be able to afford a new yacht.
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Author: Richard
Date: 2003-02-13 13:02
OK Peter, Gordon, Mark
You've UN-sold me on pad savers. Your replies raise issues that hadn’t occurred to me. Thanks! BTY, I threw one to our puppy this morning: He loves it!
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Author: Vic
Date: 2003-02-13 14:03
Yes indeed - thanks much to Gordon and Mark Pinner. My pad savers now sleep with the fishes.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-02-14 11:55
Richard, will your puppy break his teeth on the twisted steel interior?
He may be just as happy with another smelly item. :-)
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