The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Cork vs. Bladder pads

Author: Vytas
Date: 2006-08-26 21:14

clarnibass wrote:
> *** "But, in this specific case of the Bundy, using your method of making a stepped leather pad would be problematic". *** <

I've already told you "The throat G# doesn't require a stepped pad". It doesn't matter if it's a Bundy, CT or an R13. My method of making a stepped leather pad was my advice given for professional technician and you shouldn't be bothered with it until your skill goes up to the level. This method is unnecessary on smaller bore instruments like Buffet, Leblanc, Yamaha, SML, Malerne, Thibouville Freres, Couesnon etc. Big bore instruments like Selmer CT would require only one such stepped pad for the thrill Eb/Bb on the Upper-Joint etc. Without these vintage big bore instruments stepped pads would be obsolete.

clarnibass wrote:
> *** By common sense alone I could do it even with the tools I have, but I thought that in this specific case there was absolutely no reason to not just use a stepped bladder pad. Much easier solution, doesn't require bending, and works perfectly. The throat G# tone hole is well ventilated on this clarinet. *** <

There is no specific case here. That was YOUR choice and how you decided to deal with this 'out of center key'. What you did is nothing but work around the problem instead of fixing it. CORRECT approach would be to straighten out the key first and use a regular pad for it. The last thing I want to do is to bend a key but sometimes it's a necessary step to correct a misalign key. This is done even in the Buffet factory assembling/setting up brand new clarinets.

There's no such thing as "the throat G# tone hole is well ventilated on this clarinet" It's entirely up to technician or manufacturer how this key is set-up and it's done by using correct size and thickness of the pad, by adjusting the key cork thickness underneath or by bending (if necessary) etc.

If your goal is to become a 'Pro' you have to learn to diagnose and fix the problem. Working around the problem is not the way to go.

That's basically what separates good technician from the others.

Vytas Krass
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics

Author

Date

Cork vs. Bladder pads new

ChrisArcand

2006-08-25 00:47