[Jolle]

Another problem, this time with my soprano. The thing plays great, is setup properly, but I've noticed that after an hour of playing, I can't hit any note below G anymore decently. I thought it was me, but what I try to get these notes (long notes etc), they always jump an octave.

So there's a leak. But why does it occur only after an hour? I checked and found out that my side Bb pad is just soaked. The tonehole points down and a lot of condensation collects down there. If I push that pad, I can play every note fine.

Is it possible that a soaked pad swells and causes a leak?
more important : what can I do about it?

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

dry hard/infexible pads cause leaks
Use your leak light and test it next time

 

[Jolle]

funny thing is it doesn't leak when it's dry. It plays just fine for an hour, until the pad is soaked, and then the problem start. The pad doesn't look orange-red but deepbrown, so with soaked I mean, SOAKED. until I let it dry for a couple of hours, it gets its original color back.

 

[milandro]

how about using something like silicon spray to waterproof the pad (I use it to prevent pad sticking but I do not spray it but apply it with a q-tip ), this way the pads won't soak and probably won't swell-up.....

 

[Jolle]

thought something like that already, but wanted to check before I ruin the pad.

 

[Gordon (NZ)]

If a pad absorbs water for any reason - say it is cut, or it is porous and not water repellent - then the felt swells. Then it does not seal in the area furthest from the pivot.

Solution: deal with the faulty pad. Best bet is to replace it.

 

[Jolle]

thx Gordon. Back to the tech for me. Any type of pad I have to ask for?