 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2009-01-23 21:20
They are used on the Legacy and Lyrique. Maybe others. Years ago I did not have satisfactory results and went with cork . Do you use them other than for a temporary fix? Thanks.
richard smith
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2009-01-23 22:35
Depending on the model of clarinet, the Valentino pads can be an excellent choice. You do have to watch out that the pad cup overlaps the tonehole adequately, as the Valentino pad fits inside the diameter of the pad cup and is not a "stepped pad" like most others.
One drawback many people mention, is that in humid weather they seem to get sticky faster than a skin or cork pad.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
Excellent Used Buffet Clarinets
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Author: Ed
Date: 2009-01-24 11:35
I have had them on clarinets for many years. I find that they seal very well and last a long time. They seem to be a bit more flexible than cork, so they can seal well even if the key is bumped (slightly) out of adjustment. They are a bit less noisy than cork. I have had no problems or complaints with them at all.
They make many different models
http://www.valentinopads.com/valentino-clarinet-pads.asp
Last I knew, I believe Guy Chadash's handmade clarinet used them as well.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-24 12:37
The fake cork pads are porous, so don't repad an oboe with them as you'll never get it airtight even though the pads appear to be seating.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: jwiseman114
Date: 2009-01-24 13:42
I have to disagree with Chris that the pads are porous. If you look at the pad from the side it appears to half three distinct layers with increasing density closest to the surface. The surface appears to be treated with some kind of sealer similar to silicon. They seal perfectly when they are level...like a coke bottle!
The biggest difference between Valentino and cork is that Valentino pads are more forgiving because they are softer and more flexible. They can take up small imperfections in tone holes and bad leveling by technicians. Cork pads are much more temperamental. I personally believe that the Valentinos should be treated with the same care as a cork pad in the installation process. Pad cups should not be hammered upon and the pads should not be squeezed with pad slicks. I know this may seem obvious but because of the forgiving nature of these pads I have seen them treated quite poorly.
Valentinos are certainly quieter than cork. I have heard arguments that they have better acoustical qualities but I just don't believe it. You would have to convince me of this with thorough blindfold tests by people who do not sell the pad or instruments installed with the pads.
The biggest fault of Valentinos is that they are, in my opinion, spongy. They are essentially a soft synthetic, extremely elastic, sponge. Sure they are perfectly flat when you start but they become compressed very easily. They do come back to there original shape but perhaps not completely. I always feel that you must press a valentino padded key just a little harder to sponge into the seat where as with properly installed cork pads, the response s very quick with a light touch.
So although I originally disagreed with Chris I have to say that I would never put Valentinos in any of my horns and would never want to see them used for an oboe
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2009-01-24 14:48
I have a few valentinos on my oboe..1st OK, B, Bb . All have worked well. The C is cork and the Bb is valentino. No difference in the sticking. These keys are sprung lightly and are closed keys so sticking is a real possibility. Both of course are very small pads. Valentinos are easily cleaned with water.
On the clarinet I have them on the bottom few keys. These are the ones on clarinet that can get out of regulation. They have stayed put and worked well. Both my clarinet and oboe pads have been on for years.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-24 14:59
"I have to disagree with Chris that the pads are porous. If you look at the pad from the side it appears to half three distinct layers with increasing density closest to the surface. The surface appears to be treated with some kind of sealer similar to silicon. They seal perfectly when they are level...like a coke bottle!"
All the Greenback cork pads (the brown ones) I have ARE porous, they're single density in that they don't have the three layers or the shiny surface layer like the white ones do, so they leak like sieves.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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