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Pad Seating Question

Author: knotty
Date: 2009-12-18 14:21

On new pads that are normally open, should I seat the pad so it takes the tone hole impression?

I heard some repairers rubber band it closed, others use wood wedges, is this something that must be done?

If so, how long should the pad remain forced closed?

Thanks...knotty

~ Musical Progress: None ~

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Re: Pad Seating Question

Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-12-18 14:33

I don't wedge/rubberband/force it closed. IME it suffices to properly seat it. Over time it will get an impression, but I don't force it.

--
Ben

Post Edited (2009-12-18 14:33)

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Re: Pad Seating Question

Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-12-18 15:42

Seat the pad so it closes and seals properly using light finger pressure (testing the closure with a feeler gauge all the way round), and not so it will only closed when pressed hard.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Pad Seating Question

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-12-18 17:11

I have seen a few excellent repair techs use "seating clamps" which have a fairly light even pressure and use them overnight (24 hours).

............Paul Aviles

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Re: Pad Seating Question

Author: knotty
Date: 2009-12-18 21:50

Thanks guys, I'm finally getting the feel for using the cigarette paper or candy wrapper strips to test for leaks.

knotty

~ Musical Progress: None ~

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Re: Pad Seating Question

Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-12-18 22:20

Remember that you should never have to use excessive force to play any instrument, so likewise don't use any undue force to seat pads.

When you get the pad seating as you like it when tested with the feeler gauge, apply some gentle finger pressure to the pad cup closing it against the tonehole for a few seconds to make an impression (but not a deep one) of the tonehole on the face of the pad. Then check it with the feeler gauge afterwards (again using light pressure to close it) to be sure.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

Post Edited (2009-12-19 01:00)

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Re: Pad Seating Question

Author: knotty
Date: 2009-12-19 00:43

Thanks Chris P, as usual for the great tip. Yes, one can have all the tools which makes things easier but nothing beats the experience gained over a period of time.

knotty

~ Musical Progress: None ~

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