Cork'n'glue'n'stuff

Bobby G · Jul 29, 2006

I have noticed two or three bits of cork missing on my soprano, one in particular is the r.h. Eb key foot, which makes a kind of 'tap' whenever I play it, as the foot contacts the body of the sax. Also, a couple of adjuster screws that contact rods to hold other keys down (can't remember the specific notes affected, they are all in the left hand though) have corks which have come off.

What is the best cork and glue to use? Do I need industrial strength weapons-grade cork, or will slivers of an old cork sanding block or cork tile do? Cheapskate hoarder that I am, I have these items. Also, what is the ideal glue? I know it needs to be sone kind of contact adhesive, but which?

Finally, should the underside of the front F key (l.h.) have a piece of cork stuck to it?

Thanks, Bob

tvj · Jul 31, 2006

Cork placement and amount can differ immensly from sax to sax. I had some extra pieces fitted to my horn, as some keys seemed prone to snapping.

You'd need a contact adhesive which is spread onto both the cork and the sax itself, meaning it'd have to adhere to laquer. Ask in a hobby store, I'd say.

As for the cork itself, it needs to be slightly flexible, in case you put too large a piece on it, avoiding gaps. It, of course, also has to be sturdy enough to not act like rubber foam and giving no support at all.

I'll bet someone else can provide some more specific detail though.

oliver_bentley · Jul 31, 2006

Araldite, pref the slower drying stuff, is probably the strongest contact adhesive and has worked ok for me when cork has fallen off, though you may want to check with a repairer what they use.

As for the front F, under mine is a small circle of felt, to stop it rubbing against the B key. Cork may work, but it has to slide a little on the B key as its pressed down, and using cork may result in too much friction to do this smoothly. Might be a little thick too. Anyone else - cork or felt under your F keys?

griff136 · Aug 2, 2006

IMHO one of the best adhesives to use is evostick contact adhesive - comes in a red tube or tin, and readily available in model shops, B&Q hardware shops etc.

I apply a very thin coat to both the cork and the key (ensuring the key is clean first. I use an old reed toapply the adhesive and cut it to width (ideal for gluing cork tenons on clarinets too) As per the instructions I leave for 5 -10 mins until tacky then press together. trim off with a razor blade - job done.