 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Liam Murphy
Date: 2007-12-28 08:40
Hello BBoard, I'm new and was wondering if any of you fabulous people could help me with my latest clarinet dilemma.
The situation: Many of the pads on my almost brand new Selmer "Signature" Bb clarinet, especially the 3rd space "C" pad, are sticking audiably, or in the case of the "C" pad, sticking down.
this problem seems to come and go, however, recently, the pads seem to be "fixing" themselves bit by bit. It is for this reason that I've not seeked professional repair, in hope that the problem will just go away.
Clarinet Background: this clarinet I bought off the site "One Stop Clarinet And Sax Shop", a shop which I have grown to trust and use very frequently for purchase of reeds and mouthpieces. is it possible that the ?extended? storage of the clarinet prior to its postage could have gummed the pads to the tone holes? Or is it more likely that the clarinet has sustained a knock and the pads have been slightly misaligned? (I do live a long way from the USA, and after the one month postage process, the box looked very bashed about)
I'm sure that the problem has not been cause by any mistreatment while it has been in my hands, as I treat the thing like a Ming Vase, swabbing repeatedly after every use, no matter how brief, along with a small ritual of clarinet pamper after every day of practicing.
Is this problem common with new instruments? if so, is repair expensive/necessary?
Thanks for your help,
Liam
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-12-28 09:00
I can't say whether or not this is common with new instruments - I had only one new instrument, and there the pads too needed some wearing in.
I wouldn't be surprised if the pads need some care after a bumpy transatlantic ride. Cold aircraft trunk, condensation etc don't go unnoticed.
If they remain sticky even after wiping them (with a strip of kitchen paper drawn between pad and hole while the pad is gently held closed) before and after each practice session, you might consider cleaning them with a cotton swab and/or "ironing" them with a pad slick or a warmed knife (please ask for directions before attempting that at home).
In extremis you might have to replace the pad, but that isn't sooo expensive either.
--
Ben
Post Edited (2007-12-28 09:02)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-12-28 12:42
If I'm not mistaken the Selmer Signature has leather pads, which are more likely to stick than other regular types of pads (bladder and cork). It is possible that the pads are just an especially sticky type, like what Selmer put on their saxophones. You can try cleaning them, maybe with alcohol (I don't know what alcohol will do to wood so maybe better to be careful).
It is possible the clarinet received some knocks but if they misaligned keys I think it would make the pad less sticky, because less of the pad will contact the clarinet. Unless that happened and now you press hard to make it seal, which would make it more sticky.
If it received knocks it is also possible that some hinge rods or screws were bent and that could cause a slightly sticky pads be a lot more sticky. Maybe it is little enough for the spring to still be able to overcome but make it harder so the pad sticks more (less force applied to open it).
Which pad exactly do you mean that is worst? Is it the pad that close when you press the pinky key for low F / clarion C? I suggest to start with that pad. Try to clean it, first like Ben suggested, then maybe with alcohol, etc. and see if that helps. I would suggest to try to release the spring and see if the key moves freely but for that key it might not be the best idea. Basically try to find out the cause for the stickiness and possibly go to a good repairer. Some excellent repairers wouldn't charge you just to check the clarinet and hopefully you have one of those in your area.
Post Edited (2007-12-28 13:50)
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2007-12-28 14:53
The standard de-stick procedure is to put a new $1 bill between the pad and the hole, press down firmly but not too hard, and pull the bill out. The paper is slightly abrasive, which will take off the crud.
The better way is probably to use The Doctor's Pad Cleaner http://www.doctorsprod.com/store/comersus_listItems.asp.
The Selmer Signature, at least when it was introduced, had pads that were slightly too small, so they just barely covered the holes and leaked around the edges unless they were perfectly adjusted. Thus, for this instrument, I would take it to a repair shop, where they can both clean the pads and rims and make sure they stay seated.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Liam Murphy
Date: 2007-12-28 23:32
Thanks for all of your help.
I should have mentioned that I've allready tried various de-sticking procedures i.e. wiping the pad with the little piece of black anti-stick Selmer paper that came with the clarinet, and using BG pad cleaners. These methods, so far, have proved to be ineffective.
The use of dollar bills, I have heard of before, however I've also not come into contact with one as I do live a long way away from America. If I do come across one, I will certainly give it a bash : )
It is for the reason that the clarinet was brand new and cleaned after every use that I thought the problem could be caused by misaligned pads as opposed to ones with a layer of "crud"
Either way you guys have given me much to experiment with, and a better understanding of my own clarinet.
P.S. May I inquire to how much a pad replacement repair might cost? in American Dollars (I'll convert the currency later)
Thanks again,
Liam
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2007-12-29 00:25
Your clarinet problems have nothing to do with the pads.
1. Check if the LEG which is connected to the F/C key and the crow's foot was knocked sideways and is biding to one of the keys below.
2. Check the F/C key spring for tension and if the spring is actually placed in the cradle.
3. Check the screw-road (for F/C and Ab/Eb keys) for damage.
Do not use alcohol for cleaning pads! Actually leave them alone! Clean only if you find some jelly or peanut butter stuck to them. LOL
Vytas Krass
Clarinet Repair
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-12-29 05:50
> P.S. May I inquire to how much a pad replacement
> repair might cost? in American Dollars (I'll convert
> the currency later)
Prices could be very different in your area comapred with prices in different countries. If you write where you are from maybe someone here will be able to help you with that. Also you can ask local clarinetists what they paid and who they would recommend for repairs, then ask the repairers what they charge. It's usually better to know your local prices in your local currency because your local repairers will probably use that for prices and with other currencies it could change pretty fast.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2007-12-29 07:29
Quote:
Ken Shaw wrote:
The standard de-stick procedure is to put a new $1 bill between the pad and the hole, press down firmly but not too hard, and pull the bill out. The paper is slightly abrasive, which will take off the crud. I disagree. I find that the amount of ink and wear that a $1 typically has is far inferior to using a ten dollar bill. Of course, the elusive $2 bill is probably your best bet due the slight difference in paper composition and, of course, picture of Thomas Jefferson which makes ALL the difference.
Nothing against good 'ol Georgy boy on our one-spot, but Mr. Jefferson as you may know, invented a macaroni machine. Which I'm sure in one way or other contributed to Ramen noodles. Which is the life-blood of the starving musician trying to make it through college. And so he's ALWAYS been there for us . . .
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: BobD
Date: 2007-12-29 12:31
Ah, but Alexi, it has to be a new dollar bill.....and, not counterfit. And I agree that the $2 is far superior ....assuming it's new also. Wouldn't it be interesting to know just what musician first used the $1 and started the legend. I am guessing that it must have been after the introduction of machine made cigarettes when "papers" were no longer common.
Bob Draznik
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