Author: clarnibass
Date: 2020-07-18 08:37
>> Steve, I ordered 100 from Ferrees. I *think* they were B21s. I really liked the way they were made, they sit in the cups real nice, but the felts were too thick. What model do you buy? I’m going to need a bunch, for both student and nicer horns (and flutes). <<
Most of their pads are made by Music Center. Maybe except the Norbecks and I'm not sure about the De'jurs (Music Center has no pads with that name, but it could be a name Ferree's made for a certain pad model they have from Music Center... I don't know).
The thing with Music Center pads sold by Ferree's or any of the other supplier, is they order a specific model, or ask for specs, so might not be exactly the same as any model direct from Music Center.
The B21s seem to be a "basic" bladder model, but who knows if it's more similar to the Mypads, or the Premium Deluxe, two models which are quite different (I far prefer the Premium Deluxe). Or maybe a different model entirely.
>> Clarnibass, I had problems ordering from Music Center - not their fault. It’s worth another try.... What models do you like? <<
It depends. If I'm doing a repad or overhaul, I generally prefer Valentino Masters now. Music Center also has a synthetic model now, both the "regular" one, which is sort of between a Greenback and Masters, and the plastic covered model, which so far I don't really like, though it's very good, nothing against its quality.
I mostly stopped using stepped bladder pads. The model I liked most was Premium Deluxe (or Lucien Deluxe models sold by some suppliers is pretty similar... but not always, or the models from Kraus with no name are also very good, slightly different too). Even though I prefer their feel, they usually don't last as long. That is, some players still have them and they are fine after a decade, but occasionally they might not even last two years (depending on many things) while synthetic pads would last longer in the same situation.
The leather pads I use are mostly Premium Deluxe too. They have the plastic disc between the skin and the felt.
You can get more or less similar pads from J.L. Smith, maybe Votaw, possibly some other places (from memory... it's been some years since I've ordered Music Center pads through them).
The B33 from Ferree's seem to be the closest to that, but I don't know if or how they are different.
By the way, Music Center also makes an imitation leather pad, made of microfiber, that is better IMO, but only special order directly from them (or I guess a supplier would get them for a large order). I'm vegan and try to use as few animal products as possible. I've changed everything other than pads so far (luckily synthetic and plant products are at least as good or better for all other uses). However it still uses wool felt. There's probably a synthetic felt version, just like there is for real leather pads, but I don't like it for pads... If synthetic felt was as good or better than real felt I would make the effort to stock these...
Post Edited (2020-07-19 08:29)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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