 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill
Date: 2019-04-01 22:33
At 59, I've decided to start working on a dream/goal I've had for a long time: to work on my own instruments.
I've got Larry Frank's book, Reg Thorpe's book, a copy of Eric Brand from the 1940's (3rd edition!), a few tools from Ferree's, a bunch of YouTube videos, the articles by Steve Prescott here on Woodwind.org, and ... NO idea how to measure and order pads!
To soak the joints in almond oil *or not*. My head is spinning!
I'm starting with a (no need to say "old" -- all my clarinets are old) "Bohemia" Kohlert Bb.
I'm also learning Oehler system. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
Any advice gladly received!
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
Post Edited (2019-04-01 22:33)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2019-04-02 00:22
Go for it Bill.
Reg's book is a good place to start.
I took "early retirement" from the computer industry at 56 and went back to college for 2.5 years studying music instrument technology.
I then set up my own restoration and repair business and built that up and ran it for over 20 years.
In parallel I also assisted Peter Eaton part time for some years with his professional hand made clarinets.
I greatly enjoyed it and met some really lovely people over the years, and very few who were not!
Sadly my wife's health forced me to decide on another early retirement 3 years back. Still I guess after 60 working years I was owed it.
The thing I miss most now is not meeting so many lovely customers.
I am sure meeting like minded folk will be a great plus for you too.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2019-04-02 00:33
If you're using skin pads or synthetic pads with stepped sides (with the backing card of the pad being narrower than the felt disc), take the measurement for them from the OUTSIDE diameter of the pad cup and if need be, take 0.5mm off that to be sure the card backing will fit into the pad cups.
For leather, cork and synthetic pads (Valentino, etc.) without the stepped sides, measure the INSDE diameter of the pad cups.
For German and Oehler system, use white leather pads on them.
In fact, you can use leather pads for all clarinets if you prefer (and they are more durable than skin pads). Boehm system tend to use stepped skin pads, but some makes are difficult to get the correct thickness for - namely Buffets which use thin felt discs and most skin pads being sold have fairly thick felt discs and not suitable for Buffets unless you alter the angles of the pad cups to accommodate the thicker pads.
As far as colour goes with leather pads, that's a matter of personal preference - white leather pads are the norm on German and Oehler systems but are now found on more and more Boehm systems due to their durability.
Leather pads are available in white, brown and black and may or may not have the plastic coated leather to make them both airtight and waterproof which is ideal, but can end up being sticky depending on the quality.
Untreated leather pads can be very porous as well as absorbing water and the natural wood stain from grenadilla and are difficult to clean once stained. They will also become hard from being subjected to becoming wet and then drying out.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2019-04-02 02:19
Thanks very much, Chris! Mr. Smale, I've enjoyed reading your old posts on B&H clarinets. I just got an Imperial 926.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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