The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David Dow
Date: 2002-05-19 22:22
I can't stand cork pads and found in a recording session for CBC they were really loud...since then I use Glotin leather pads and skin pads in spite of the trickiness of seating them properly. Does anyone out there have views similar...I do use a cork pad on the register key though of course!!
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Author: John H.
Date: 2002-05-19 22:50
David,
I agree that cork pads can be very loud under certain circumstances.. However, I have used in the past, and do now, and encourage the use of skin. The tone and resonence produced in my opinon are supurb in most instances. If they are seated properly as you stated which can at times be a problem, they will outlast and perform greatly. I also use a cork pad on the registar key which I feel is the best. I encourage my clarinet students to repad when necessary with skin.
John H.
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Author: jbutler
Date: 2002-05-20 02:25
Bladder and leather pads are easier to seat than cork pads. Preference is to the performer. I have customers who prefer bladder only and those who want cork in the upper joint. I also have those who prefer Gortex and various combinations. I think the Valentino Greenback pads are a viable option for those wanting the properties of cork with a pad that is quiet. I don't have a preference either way.
jbutler
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-05-20 04:53
Cork pads are probably ok on a clarinet but they fail in ways that are hard to detect. Tiny particles of dirt make tiny holes under pad seats and cracks appear that are difficult to see without a magnifier. They also seem to be less stable with humidity than skin pads. I've been forced to use them on my oboe because of the holes needed in the center of the pads but would rather use regular double skin pads.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-05-20 06:38
I do a clarinet full overhaul generally once or twice a week. I will use whichever the customer prefers but my suggestion generally is leather. I have come across instruments with leather pads 20, 30 or even 40 years old that still seat properly even though they have totally lost their suppleness. The same cannot be said for skin pads. Leather was the original material and has been in use for at least a couple of hundred years. Skin pads are fine but not as durable. Skin pads are no harder to install than leather for an experienced repairer; I dont know why students are re-padding anyway I haven't seen too many get it right. I make plenty of money fixing up amateur repair work so I shouldn't complain.
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Author: jez
Date: 2002-05-20 16:54
I've got pads of a thin synthetic (rubbery) material bonded on a cork base which I'm very pleased with. The guy who makes them is in the UK, but I'm sure someone over there must be doing something similar.
If you want to know more go to www.musicalchairs.eu.com (link on Sneezy homepage) and go to "Links" then "Clarinet" then "Superpads"
jez
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Author: james
Date: 2002-05-20 20:19
I know brannen woodwinds uses cork pads. I really haven't noticed much difference in noise with cork pads. I had my horn done by brannen woodwinds.... What they do is cork the upper joint except for like one pad, and use their own hand made skin pads on the lower joint. Hey cork can't be that bad.... The whole cso section well im not sure about lawrie bloom use brannen's service. I tried a peter eaton clarinet with leather pads, to me it just felt weird. I will just go with whatever the brannens consider to be the best. good clarineting...
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Author: Eddie Ashton
Date: 2002-05-23 09:24
Hi, I'm the guy in the UK who makes the pads which Jez. refers to above. (Hi, Jez)
A number of you have followed his instructions to the musicalchairs site for information about these and subsequently e-mailed asking me to send a 'set' of pads.
I should point out that this is not possible as not only do I assemble the materials from which they are made but they are then made individually for each instrument and fitted in a special way.
I'd be happy to answer any queries either via this or e-mail.
Eddie
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Author: jim lande
Date: 2002-05-24 03:36
I just repadded an old Buescher top to bottom with cork pads. Normally I use leather. The tone sounds different on the Buescher, but I don't know if it is the pads or the horn. Anyway, I like it.
I wrote to Dr Slick today and asked his opinion on coating cork pads and cork spacers & such on keys with a bit of his Dr Slick cork grease. His opinion was that this would extend the life of the pads. (He noted that his product, unlike some, will not disolve petroleum based glues. Is hot glue gun glue petroleum based?) He thought that the oils would go into the cork and the wax would remain on the surface.
Wes: many metal clarinets have pads that have to be punched. I have done this with leather pads and don't think that it has caused problems.
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