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Re: I did it!

Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-03-06 16:00

Cork pads don't compress like leather pads as cork is very firm in comparison, but will take an impression during playing which is why oboes should be checked over after few months when bought new to make sure they're still in regulation.

Not only cork pads, but the silencing material used under adjusting screws can also compress slightly, but will settle down after they've been played in. But if the compression of the pads and the silencing material is even, then little or no adjustments will be needed, though it's still worthwhile to have any oboe checked and serviced regularly to be sure everything is in order.

On older instruments where the cork pads have fairly deep impressions (mostly on the fingerplate pads as players do tend to press firmly during playing), the pads can be ground down flat, but leaving the minimal amount of impression showing evenly (and cleaned up or sanded around the edges to look fresh).

But a well installed and properly seated cork pad that seats evenly all the way round when tested using the lightest finger (or spring) pressure to close it against it's bedplace is ideal, and should be what to aim for with each cork pad. Use the finest cigarette papers as feeler gauges - I personally prefer the silver Rizla papers which are half the thickness of blue Rizlas - the silver ones being 0.001mm thick.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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I did it! new

cowtime

2008-03-03 22:09