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Re: Skin pads from JLSmith vs. Votaw vs. Ferrees ?

Author: clarnibass
Date: 2022-05-29 13:46

>> Anyone used a leather pad set from Ferrees that has stepped Buffet-style pads? <<

I haven't used those specifically from Ferree's, but if they are the same as the stepped leathred pads from Music Center (Deluxe HT model), which makes the pads for Ferree's, then I've tried them. The ones from Ferree's might be ordered to spec and not exactly the same, but the Deluxe HT as far as I know use a synthetic felt that I'm not crazy about for pads (though I use only synthetic felt for adjustments, stopped using real felt). They are good in that they last longer than bladder pads and they are good quality, but I've decided not to stock them.

>> The ridge of the tone holes are well within the pad cups (unless the pad cups are WAY out of alignment). <<

Unfortunately sometimes the keys are not aligned that well. Side to side is not an issue and can (and should) be easily adjusted, but front/back is often not realistic to adjust and impossible to completely solve without lengthening or shortening the key arm, which isn't always an option.

Also non-stepped leather pads generally have a larger radius corner and are not as flat towards their edge compared with bladder pads. Sometimes the tone hole is very close to the edge of a non-stepped pad, and in the worst cases it is actually outside of it (not common, but I've seen that even on a couple of old pro Buffet clarinets and a pro oboe too).

The Deluxe HT stepped leather pads from Music Center are sort of tweener as far as the corner sharpness, sharper than leather, slightly less than bladder.

Synthetic pads are (usually) not stepped but they are the flattest to the edge so essentially "larger" and solve the problem as much as stepped pads, in most cases.

It's pretty rare that it happens but it does happen once in a while.

>> I thought I was smart and after making some inquiries ordered about 100, most of which haven't fit anything. <<

I stock all sizes of at least three models of clarinet pads. Anything less is not efficient enough.

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