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RE: Leather Pads or Fishskin?

Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-02-25 09:19

As an instrument repairer I prefer to use leather pads wherever possible except when cork padding is more suitable. They last far longer and give a better seat. They do not deaden or muffle the tone and are availabe in both white and brown from most major pad suppliers such as Prestini who makes both leather and skin. The material used in skin pads is a trade secret so you are unlikely to find out in a hurry. Fitting the two types of pad differs. The skin pads are stepped at the back with a disc, cardboard or sometimes plastic, has to fit the exact diameter of the pad cup and allows only limited adjustment side to side up and down. The skin pads do not seat or take the shape of the tone whole very readily so the levelling procedure can be a little tedious. Leather pads are generally not stepped at the back and are much softer allowing a little more flexibility as to size. They are a little quicker to level and will take the shape of the tone hole readily. The older method of seating involved wetting the pad and holding it closed against the tone hole with a pad seating clamp. The are best fitted with wax and will remain seated for years if handled correctly. Treatments are available to stop the pads absorbing too much water but regular swabbing also helps. There is very little difference between clarinet and bassoon pads other than the size. Different depths are also available. Most repairers buy assortments of 500 hundred or more at a time.

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Leather Pads or Fishskin? new

Mike

2002-02-23 19:26