 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Contragirl
Date: 2000-05-31 18:37
I need to get my Buffet repadded. Right now I plan on getting the cork pads on the upper joint, and regular pads on the bottom. Gortex seems too expensive, and I don't have much money. Should I just go for the regualr bladder pads on the bottom?
For anyone in the So.MD/DC area, where is the cheapest place to go to get this done? (Chuck Levin's, Atec, somewhere else?)
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Author: ron b.
Date: 2000-05-31 19:08
Contragirl -
From previous posts here, I understand that those who have used cork pads for the upper joint are pleased with the result. No experience with this personally.
Regular pads are fine but make sure you get the double skin ones. They're not much more expensive than single skin pads. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish. Double skin pads will last longer.
The same applies to technicians. Get an estimate up front and remember, cheapest is not always best. Go to one who does lots of woodwinds. Ask your friends where they go, if they're satisfied etc., if you can. Above all, if at all possible, try your horn before it leaves the shop and ask about follow-up service. Reputable shops will give you some kind of 'warranty'; insist on it regardless of the price.
ron b.
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Author: Stephen
Date: 2000-05-31 19:48
While Gortex pads might be expensive, they will save you money in the long run. Gortex pads sell for $60.00 in the ww and bw catolog, but that is not installed. It might be cheaper to buy from them, but I am not for sure!
Sincerely,
Stephen
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Author: C. Hogue
Date: 2000-05-31 21:29
You asked about Chuck's -- I've had three clarinets overhauled there and have been quite pleased. I just had standard pads installed, so I can't vouch for cork pad work. I've taken one clarinet back twice for finer adjustments(at no charge) after an overhaul this year. The same tech who overhauled it did a great job of making the RH G#/Eb press more easily (I've got a pinkie problem) and got the slight buzz out of the LH C#/G# key. He could really play that horn.
Finally, Chuck's does a lot of volume - lots of horns in, lots of horns out. That has both good and bad attributes.
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Author: Allen Cole
Date: 2000-06-01 02:21
A fine repairman in the DC area is Tony Valenti. He lives/works in Oxon Hill (Prince Georges County). I don't have his number, but he's done some great work.
Also Harry Roberson of Roberson Music in Fredericksburg, VA.
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2000-06-01 03:45
I wondered whether you need overhaul or repad all pads or repad bad pads only plus use cork pad for upper joint pads.
An example of repair can be read here:
http://www.woodwind-shop.com/clarinet.html
It may be good to consult with the chosen repair man what is the most economical choices but with right hand pads changed to cork pads. Experienced repairman promptly identifies what pads are bad and can calculate budgetary cost.
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2000-06-01 04:10
My previous post's URL quote comes from this parent page:
http://www.tishkoff.com/index.htm
I found at "Clarinet Pads - Traditional vs New Concepts" detailed explanations about felt,skin,double skin,goretex skin, and straubinger pads. It seems professional pads use thinner skins for pads than those for students instruments.
The author's opinion about GORE-TEX pads is also interesting.
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-06-01 07:07
I have a friend who does the cork pad conversions. He says most clarinets don't have a sharp enough edge on the tone ports to aid in sealing with the corks. Therefore he must use a reamer to sharpen the edges a bit as they (the corks) are more difficult to seat and seal. But once set they last longer and sound better. The reaming and seating is what raises the cost of this conversion as it is time consuming and not for the inexperienced.
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Author: herb
Date: 2000-06-01 14:00
Tony moved to the Ft Belvoir area (Rt 1) in Virginia. Excellent tech. As is the case for most good techs in this area, don't expect fast turn-around.
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Author: J. Butler
Date: 2000-06-02 01:04
It is my opinion that on any overhual....bladder, cork or Gortex that if the tone holes need leveling and finishing that it is to be done, period. Yes, you can get a bladder pad to seat, but the idea (for me anyway) is to do the best job possible. I see (as well as other good techs) my self as being a craftsman. I'm not interested in "getting them in and getting them out". My prices may be higher than other repair facilities, but I think I give everyone their moneys worth.
J. Butler
http://www.cork-and-pad.sneezy.org
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-06-02 06:57
I whole heartedly agree with you on doing the job right. I had quite a few clarinets brought to me that "just out of the shop" and were regulated terribly or not at all. Pads weren't seated either. In the meantime the student gets farther behind the others while the horn is in the shop. Our school had a contract with a music store in another town that subcontracted their repair work to someone else. Lord knows who, but they did lowsy work. The band director (fortunately) has seen the light and is going to use some one else next year for the school contract. I'm not set up for anything other than simple pad and cork replacement. Plus, lately, my job keeps to busy to repad my own horns. I got a new set from Fred 2 months ago and still haven't started on it.
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Author: J. Butler
Date: 2000-06-02 12:16
If you speak of Fred Freeman, say 'Hello' to him for me. I haven't seen in in a long time.
J. Butler
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Author: John
Date: 2000-06-02 15:03
The best pads that I have found are the Norbek Pads I don't know how much they cost but they do not wear out.
They would work on both sections of a clarinet
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-06-03 07:18
The one and only! I'll most likely see him Thursday as I to make a trip to H&H and get some more reeds to get tested and broken in before our July 4th concert.
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