Author: clarnibass
Date: 2020-01-16 20:03
>> ...so the theory that the stepped pad is obstructing the air flow seems to be correct. <<
It was more that the pad is obstructing it rather than the stepped pad...
What I mean is making the key open more might solve it. This can be done by either bending the touchpiece up (usually more adjustment possible), or thinning the bumper material (amount possible depends on its thickness).
Buffet usually use their gummy synthetic cork which is next to impossible to sand and it's better to just replace it anyway.
A non stepped pad might allow more venting for the same key height. First check that the seat marked on the pad is in a location that would allow a non-stepped pad i.e. inside the pad cup. Unlikely but still possible they botched the soldering alignment to the front or back which is usually unrealistic to repair for a DIY.
You can also use other non-stepped pads, it doesn't have to be cork.
>> What thickness should cork pads be, esp. if installing them on the side keys? <<
The usual pad for this key on this model is 9.0mm diameter and about 2.9mm thick (2.8mm to 3.0mm should be ok). You can always sand it thinner if you need.
>> However, if I was to change the C#/G# to a cork pad, are there any other pads that would benefit from changing to cork? <<
Only if you prefer them for whatever reason (feel for open keys, type of noise for any key, anything else if you believe in it...). I don't particularly like cork pads but don't anything against them. I almost always use them for the register key and when someone asks for them.
>> Also, is there any difference in fitting cork pads compared to bladder/leather pads? <<
Before installing, sand the sharp edge around it on the back side (the side you decide to put into the pad cup).
Be careful not to burn them, but IME they are not really more sensitive to heat than other pads.
Check that the tone hole is good with no tiny (or not tiny) chips missing. Use a magnifier. Cork pads are the worst at compensating for wavy tone holes i.e. when they are not level in a sort of waves or a gradual way. Contrary to what is sometimes posted, they are not necessarily worse with tiny chips, depending on their size (even a "perfect" tone holes isn't really perfect to a microscopic degree). I've done real tests and found that (good quality, relatively firm) bladder pads are the worst when it comes to small chips (tested against a mock tone hole made especially for this test).
Most leather pads and some bladder and other pads are easier to install and not sure what you used before.
If you say how you install other pads maybe it will help to have other suggestions.
>> Is there any difference between cork pads from Musicmedic, Ferrees or JL Smith? <<
Yes, very significant. Is your email the one in your profile? If you want I'll email you about it.
|
|
The Clarinet BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
