 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Gobboboy
Date: 2005-11-09 15:41
Hi all - back in june this year I bought a pair of RC Prestige Buffet Clarinets. They came fitted with the usual white gortex pads, these are already looking quite shabby, especially the Eb/Bb - C#/G# - I know these are usually the first to go..however...
I would love to know what the general consensus is on Clarinet Pads.
I used to have the old style Leather pads (my repair man swears by them - although he's very old fashioned and wont look at "modern stuff!!") - but I was wondering in this age of the 21st century what else there is availiable.
I have read about super pads and have heard some good & bad reports.
so C'mon then, whose got the best ones!.......
Cheers
Ben
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2005-11-09 15:54
I think my clarinet has the super pads. Those are the very dark soft ones right?
The up side is they last very long, and from what I was told do something better to the sound (absorb it better or something I don't know too much about it, was told by a repairman). On the down side they feel a little weird, since they are a little soft so it feels like you can press more than you should. I got used to it after a few weeks and like them.
Good luck.
Post Edited (2005-11-09 15:58)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-11-09 17:00
I rate cork pads very highly, and my preferred pads of choice. As long as the toneholes are perfect then they won't leak, and they'll last for aeons as long as they're well maintained. They will give the perfect seal as long as they're seated well, won't split, stick, buzz, absorb huge amounts of water, dry out and all other problems skin or leather pads can have.
And I do use leather pads in the bottom four large cups - or possibly a cork pad in the Ab/Eb cup as well as this usually gets water in it (as long as the pad cup isn't too large - no more than 14mm inside diameter.
I can't stand skin pads and never use them on clarinets.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2005-11-09 19:17
I've been using new cork pads on my upper joint --except for one skin pad on the "bis" Eb/Bb tone hole for a month or so; and they're fine. They aren't noisy, and they evidently seal well --no problems.
I'm expected to die before the corks leak.
I've no problem recommending the cork.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Ed
Date: 2005-11-09 20:59
The synthetic pads by Valentino are great. They are quiet, seal beautifully and are more forgiving than cork.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-11-09 21:09
I use shaped cork for the register key.
Bladder for others unless there is a specific need that could be solved with cork or other synthetic; I've occasionally used Norbek for over-wet areas.
I carry leather pads but have never had a request. Yes, leather lasts a long time, but for much of that long time it has become hard, unaccommodating - hence quite likely leaky, and rather noisy. Perhaps of all the pads, they are most susceptible to attack from water and the destructive agents in saliva.
I am reluctant to impose the noisiness of general use of cork on any customers unless that is what they specifically request.
I note that solid synthetic pads are constantly improving, but in the meantime, the felts used in covered pads are improving also. What an amazing material that felt is.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-11-09 22:15
I won't mention what I think of Valentino fake cork pads (the brown ones) other than the fact they're porous as ****.
The white Valentino pads are a good concept - but proved to be a disaster on B10s. I've used them with success on wooden bodied oboes, and heat them up before levelling/seating (with a hairdryer - and the keys being OFF the body!) so they flatten out and have a nice square edge.
Pisoni used to make a great high density white foam pad, but then they changed the material and there were huge bubbles on the surface, so they weren't airtight. Shame really as they were silent, and although they did have some give, they felt positive under the fingers.
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Author: Gobboboy
Date: 2005-11-09 22:47
So then......
Cork seems to be the winner so far.
These 'superpads' seem to look ok as they are a very thin synthetic facing bonded to a cork base (the best of both surely????)
even though the thought of having to 'press harder' to make these softer pads work is a little daunting but I'll try anything once!
also, Gordon (NZ).. what is/are Norbek? never heard of them.. or are they only availiable on the other side of the planet? (i'm in London!)
Does anyone know where in London I can buy superpads and get them fitted properly?
****and whilst we're on the subject of pads has anyone got any pearls of wisdom about how to deal with leaks during performance?
I have been in many a situation (as i'm sure you all have) where the chance to shine from within the orchestra has been dogged by a gurgling upper joint tone hole - I expect this to be a "just deal with it answer" but you never know eh.....
cheers all!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-11-09 22:58
I always get the gurgles on throat Bb, so I tend to use the side Bb 'trill' key where possible for a better, clearer Bb.
I don't know of any London repairers (or any in the UK) that use Norbek pads - I've only seen them on a Ludwig Frank cor anglais, and they didn't look pretty - kinda felt a bit like B&H 'Perma-pads' under the fingers too.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-11-09 23:56
I remember reading on Peter Eaton's website that superpads were the 'standard issue' on his clarinets. After looking it at quickly now, it seems he's developed his own pad (looks like we're on the way to having as many pad posssibilites as mouthpieces . . . yippee . . . )
Dave S. repadded a clarinet for me a while ago with all leather pads (he used brown leather pads which if I recall correctly were not treated with a waterproof agent). That clarinet I had and used primarily for a short while (maybe a year), however throughout the year it sealed well, played well, and felt comfortable enough for me.
I see nothing wrong with leather and it seems like a good enough choice that I would choose it should I need to get a clarinet repadded again.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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