[lostcircuits]

I was just thinking is it even worth cleaning the inside pad cup?

The more prep work you do up front, the less you need to worry when you reassemble everything. Looks like you are doing a very nice job!

 

[NO SAX]

Is there such a thing as a peel and stick pads?

 

[lostcircuits]

Is there such a thing as a peel and stick pads?

Not really, the closest you could get to that is hot glue but the problem with that is that it shrinks and then the pad alignment is off and you have to do it all over - like every 6 months or so. Same with any "peel and stick", you would need some cushion for aligning the pads and they would constantly move and you'd lose the seal. If you are talking about something like memory foam, in a perfect world something like that might work but it doesn't appear either functional in the long run, nor economic. There is a guy on the CafeSaxophone who has experimented a lot with all kinds of solutions, some of which may work for him but in the long run and especially with older horns, shellac is the best solution.

 

[PigSquealer]

Is there such a thing as a peel and stick pads?

Take a look at the new Neo Pads from Music Medic.

 

[NO SAX]

ok, I see it

 

[PigSquealer]

Why "denatured"? Would ethanol or isopropyl work as well to remove shellac?

Just did a test. The composition of ancient shellac is all over the place. The test I did with a modern stick of real dewaxed shellac. Not synthetic. I’m happy the OP had success.

Grade 91% isopropyl. Well soaked & worked in by finger until almost evaporated @ 4 minutes . Ambient temperature is 66°.

Result, Zero removed.

 

[PigSquealer]

Next I used denatured alcohol. Grade unknown. Same ambient temperature at 66°. The isopropyl had completely evaporated and the shellac was still hard. I took screenshots to document the time duration.

The areas removed is about what I would expect in thickness residual left in a key cup. This would be after removing the pad. Giving it an additional flash of heat and wiping with a rag.

 

[PigSquealer]

starting point.

Final results for comparison.

 

[Dr G]

I’m thinking there are some influences such as cracked/crazed/crystallized surfaces in the crusty ol’ stuff that made for a more reactive surface. There may have been more impurities in the old stuff as well, that would have lowered its threshold of decomposition.

Yay, he got ‘em clean!

 

[NO SAX]

Maybe in a key cup you’ll get better results….70% alcohol and a paper towel and it work wonders but the ordering pad is confusing

 

[PigSquealer]

ordering pad is confusing

Make sure the key cups are flat on face and look round.
1) Measure all 24 or 25 key cups inside, two directions like an X. Average the measurement. Write a list of sizes.
2) Contact your vendor with the size list. The sax make (Conn) along with the serial number (for year/vin).

 

[NO SAX]

I notice a ring inside the key cup…should I not use it anymore

 

[PigSquealer]

I notice a ring inside the key cup…should I not use it anymore View attachment 146139
View attachment 146140

No need to use that part. That was actually part of the old pad.

 

[NO SAX]

Thanks….Ive completely all the measurements…Now are these acceptable to order

Saxophone Pads Soft Feel Thick - Flat Metal Resonator

 

[PigSquealer]

Those are not Neo pads. I would be concerned on your ability to install these. The Neo pads are quite a bit more expensive but eliminate a good 80% of the issues you would have installing traditional pads.

 

[NO SAX]

Neo Pads - Individual Pads…According to my measurements in mm should I go up or down to the closet size…thanks

MusicMedic Neo

 

[datsaxman]

Down. Says so in the directions too.

 

[PigSquealer]

Neo Pads - Individual Pads…According to my measurements in mm should I go up or down to the closet size…thanks

MusicMedic Neo

If you have any questions whatsoever send them an email. Or pick up the phone and talk to a service representative. You may also want to consider sending it out to be finished.

 

[NO SAX]

Should I attempt to install the lower or upper first ..Before and after pic

 

[datsaxman]

Stacks? Lower first.
I put on lower stack, then left hand pinky and auxiliary Eb, then upper stack. Freestanding keys last.

But that is me. Try it both ways!