The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: CuriousClarinet
Date: 2011-12-14 14:14
How do you know when it's time to replace a pad? Some on my R13 are quite discolored, but they still seal... is that good enough? How often do you replace them?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: TJTG
Date: 2011-12-14 15:30
When the pad stops sealing or is in danger of not sealing. Color doesn't really enter into it, many discolor with age. My roommate has had his clarinet since high school, he took it into our repair man for an overhaul (we both play clarinet) and he replaced all but 2 pads. They were still in fantastic shape. He will have had his clarinet for 6 years or so, I belelive.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Trevor M
Date: 2011-12-14 18:39
I used to only replace individual pads (or get them reseated) when they were really obviously having issues- visibly wiggling or falling out, basically. That, however, is a bad habit. If you're a decent player, you can 'play through' bad adjustment problems and leaking pads with damaged edges, but the sound will be stuffier and you really have to smack the keys to get some notes to pop out in the fast passages. That's not doing yourself any favors. My new thing is to take it to a tech for tweaking every few months.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2011-12-14 23:06
Colour and age aren't necessarily issues. Wear is, however. If they still seal and linked keys are still in sync with each other, I wouldn't worry too much.
When they're sticky or buzzing, toss 'em.
When you think your instrument's pads must be replaced, then it is probably time for a general checkup anyway. Your repair person will determine what needs to be replaced and adjusted.
--
Ben
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|