Author: Matt74
Date: 2021-05-15 05:29
You can buy all sizes in different thicknesses. Don't use shims on clarinets. Depending on how parallel the cups and tone holes are you have to adjust, but you don't want the pads obviously "tipped". -- The only exception is the Ab/Eb (xxx|xxx x) which sometimes is nearly impossible to get flat in the cup, even with thin pads. It shouldn't be a problem on a nice horn with the correct pads.
How to tell if the pads are too thick:
The pad cups with the shortest arms will be the biggest problem.
If the pads are seated nicely in the pad cup, AND when you close the key, the pads press the tone hole firmly at the hinge, BUT leak massively at the edge away from the hinge, they are too thick The only thing you can really do is get thinner pads. Music Medic makes nice "thin" pads. (or get leather/synthetic ones). If the pads you are using fit tight in the pad cups before glue, you can try using a .5 mm smaller pad, which will make it sit a little further up in the pad cup, and allow it to level better.
If they're not too thick:
If they look ok on the horn, and they look like they are touching all around, including away from the hinge, but just not sealing very well:
1. Soften the glue with the key on the horn (don't set the pad, or clarinet, or yourself on fire...). Tip the pad up a little toward the hinge with a pad slick or butter knife and re-seat. You may need to "scoot" the pad sideways a little in the direction you want.
2. If that doesn't work the glue is all mashed down and you need to take the pad off and add a little more glue. Take it off, put on a little more glue (in the center of the pad or cup if you can), and re-seat them. Putting more glue in the center makes it easier for the pad to tip and seat itself. You want the glue evenly distributed in the end, but starting with a little hump in the center helps the pad to seat itself. It gets squished flat.
- Matthew Simington
|
|
The Clarinet BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
