 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: MSK
Date: 2005-05-21 21:24
I purchased a vintage 90 year old Buffet A clarinet (because I couldn't afford a more modern one at the time). I had the instrument repadded, but have had to replace the Eb pad 3 more times in a year and a half. I think rainy weather tends to exacerbate the problem. The Eb pad will stick so badly that my pinky is unable to depress the key. I break the sticky seal with my hand and it will function, but with an annoying sticky sound until I set the instrument aside. Then the problem repeats the next time. The local shop keeps replacing the pad, but has no suggestion on permanently fixing the problem. Any suggestions? Incidently, I have never had this problem with my Bb.
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Author: SueSmith
Date: 2005-05-21 22:41
Hmmm...now, I'm not a tech, but I have to ask:
Do you know if the instrument was played by the previous owner?
How is the spring action on that key?
Is there a crack in the wood through the hole the Eb pad covers?
Do you have similar problems when you play G#?
Does the pad have trouble sealing when you play before it begins to stick?
Does it get stuck due to condensation?
It could be a hairline crack through the hole...that swells in certain weather of after you play for an amount of time. I wonder if the clarinet had been played enough before you purchased it. Its possible the horn was neglected for many years.
If at all possible, bring it to a pro tech. Sometimes those "generic music shops" don't have highly trained techs who can properly diagnose problems.
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Author: Sovek
Date: 2005-05-21 23:59
SueSmith wrote:
>
> If at all possible, bring it to a pro tech. Sometimes those
> "generic music shops" don't have highly trained techs who can
> properly diagnose problems.
yeah, take into another shop. Ive had to take my B-12 in twice, and even then they didnt get it right. I was have a difficult time going between C# and B smoothly, well, part of the problem was a missing cork, well then put that on they replaced the C pad, not bother to use the proper thickness for the pad, I had the same problem as though I didnt have the cork, so took it in again, told em to replace all pads thinking they would fix the problem, nope, so I had em fix it before I took it back. In other words, find a new shop.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-05-22 01:59
I hope they haven't the gall to try to charge you for the follow up visits, or the replaced pads, MSK. The pad shouldn't act like that, that soon.
Fine suggestions above. My experience has been that it's either the pad or the tone hole causing your kind of problem. Spring tension... well, maybe, but I don't think so. Anyway, there are any number of things a competent tech will routinely survey during a re-pad (spring tension, free turning rod screw, alignment, tone hole integrity (and cleanliness), hairline cracks etc.). These things take only a few seconds but it appears something is being continually overlooked with your instrument. Three times should be enough for you to seek another opinion.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
Post Edited (2005-05-22 03:09)
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2005-05-22 15:43
I don't think the pad is to blame here. I believe there's some sticky residue on the tone hole seat. Also, it's possible, that the pad is too big (or the key cup is bent to the side) and it get stuck.
Anyway, good technician should find and solve the problem instead of trying to cure the symptom.
Vytas Krass
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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