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Re: key pads

Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2010-07-01 12:58

I thoroughly endorse what Chris wrote:

"Have any pads installed properly by someone who can do a proper job, otherwise it will be a mistake.

And in addition to having cork pads fitted, the toneholes will most likely need all the pores and chips in them filled and then levelled in order to seat the pad onto so it creates an airtight seal. This has to be done as a matter of course otherwise you'll end up with a clarinet that leaks like a sieve if the imperfections aren't dealt with....

But the toneholes do have to be tidied up so there won't be any leaks before cork padding otherwise it's a waste of time fitting cork pads to them. "

Also, deal with any sloppiness in pivots and linkage silencers.
I stress that cork pads are less forgiving, and an AVERAGE technician is probably just not good enough to install them without leaks. Attending to tone hole blemishes to the degree that cork needs will also take maybe twice as long to do the job. Hence more expense.

And I disagree with Bob: "...If done correctly they will seal way better than the standard pad...."

All other things being equal, high quality membrane pads seal as well as cork pads. If they did not, then flute players would not be able to play low notes strongly. If GOOD QUALITY membrane pads seal poorly then they were poorly installed, or quite bad tone hole edges need attention. Take a look with a good magnifying glass.

BTW, cork pads are usually good quality, but I've seen poor quality cork used as pads too. They leak.

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