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Re: neoprene pads

Author: JEG ★2017
Date: 2011-07-22 01:50

As Bill Street was mentioned, I feel that I must share the fact that he installed neoprene pads on my A clarinet, I think in 1974, and on my B-flat clarinet after I bought it new in 1979. The pads lasted in excellent condition, just becoming a little compressed, until I had the A overhauled in 2009 and the B-flat in 2010, also done by Bill.

I never had a problem with the pads. I did not play for 12 years and the lower joint pads on the open keys held their seats even though I didn't have the keys wedged shut.

When I had the clarinets overhauled Bill and I decided to use mostly cork pads in the upper joints and skin pads on the lower joints, only because I decided that the corks would give a little more brightness to the sound. Neoprene was an option but I thought I'd go with something different.

I'm not sure about the effect of petroleum-based oil on neoprene pads. I worked at a NY Thruway service area when I was in college and we were encouraged to wear shoes with neoprene soles, as they were impervious to gasoline and oil. Maybe there is some long-term effect but if so, I am not aware of it. Of course, I never put gasoline in my clarinet.

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