Tech/maintenance Abalone key pearls

[Dr G]

Regarding the tacky feeling of the plastic pearls, could they still have some mold release from manufacturing on them, and a good cleaning would remove this tackiness?

Since seems you already removed them, now a mute point.

Seems any other authentic choice would actually be an upgrade and if it improves your playing comfort then goal is met.

Just a few thoughts.

What’s “authentic” in this context other than nacre?

 

[Tonehole]

DesertRoads Did you buy coloured or plain? Please post a picture once done.​

I plan to visit a local fellow I am friends with that builds / makes custom trumpets. He does custom horn pearls I will ask him if he will do touches and risers for me. He likely will have recommendations.

FINISHED BUTTON GALLERY | Divitt Trumpets

www.divitt-trumpets.com

The SAT set of horns I want to do have black pads.
My Series III tenor has worn pearls as well.
I may try wood touches on my YSS475.

 

[lydian]

DesertRoads Did you buy coloured or plain? Please post a picture once done.​

I plan to visit a local fellow I am friends with that builds / makes custom trumpets. He does custom horn pearls I will ask him if he will do touches and risers for me. He likely will have recommendations.

FINISHED BUTTON GALLERY | Divitt Trumpets

www.divitt-trumpets.com

The SAT set of horns I want to do have black pads.
My Series III tenor has worn pearls as well.
I may try wood touches on my YSS475.

Something to be aware of when getting a trumpet maker to do this, trumpet pearls are usually flat, not concave like sax, as you can see from his website. He'll have to buy a set made for sax or carve out every single pearl, which seems very labor intensive to me. There are also multiple sizes to deal with. Why not just get a good set of sax pearls and be done with it?

Also seems like a princess and the pea situation with you guys. I've played saxes with plastic, MOP, bare brass or, on clarinet, no touches at all and never given any of them a second thought. I have more important things to be concerned about.