Author: clarnibass
Date: 2018-11-03 10:16
It's worth emphasizing that the 9.5mm diameter was either suggested for stepped pads or a mistake. As mentioned, pads are matched to keys, not the other way around. So the problem in fitting 9.5mm non-stepped pads to key cups that were too small was that the pads had the wrong size. The method I use (and I imagine most repairers) is to stock many sizes and use the correct one.
Even the same model of clarinet from a different times can have different diameter keys. From vague memory... Buffet specifically used to have keys 0.25mm to 0.5mm smaller.
Stepped leather pads are almost never made or used. You've found the advantage of stepped pads, which is relevant sometimes, but there is a downside too.
Re the keys not being aligned with tone holes, making a non-stepped pad barely able to seal, was it the front/back or to the side? If the latter, and it would not hit another key that can't be moved, then simply aligning it is normal. If it's the former, that often means a major repair that is usually not worth it (cost-wise) to most people.
Some older Buffet clarinets had a run with a front/back misaligned F/C key which was a little annoying.
Although it's not possible to be sure, but looks like the key in your photo is misaligned in a way that would be easy to improve.
Post Edited (2018-11-03 10:20)
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