[JayeLID]

I just purchased an old King C Melody that had repadded. The pads are too thick and do not seal propely and there are no resonators. Just somethingto be aware of. Not all pads are the same thickness.

Wait...you mean you had to get it repadded ? Or you rec'd it with a horrible repad job ????

 

[JayeLID]

I do this all the time...change only the pads which are shot, leave the old pads still sealing. It comes out perfectly fine. Indeed, if one pays attention there is a different 'feel' to the keys with new vs. old...but one really has to be paying attention.

I usually repad C-mels with riveted, non-resonator pads since that is what they were outfitted with...just for the sake of history.

I do wonder, sometimes, if one outfitted a C-mel with the most sonically egdy sorta resonator pads available (not that I know if there is such a thing; or if it's just a matter of opinion)...if that would provide a teensy counterbalance to some of the dark stuffiness of the horn.....

 

[JayeLID]

Yes, it transforms the horn.
I habitually re-pad my C tenors with bog standard resonator pads....the change in sound and "attitude" is immense...it plays just like a tenor or alto.

Aaaaahhhhh...thanks...very interesting !