Tech/maintenance Sticky pad on a new horn

[sax_man]

Hi folks,

I'm sorry if this is a redundant thread, but the threads I saw regarding sticky pads were on horns that had been in use for a while.

So, I have got a new horn with a pad that sticks intermittently. Is this just something that happens and will get better with time?

Any tips on alleviating it?

Thanks!

 

[PigSquealer]

Hi folks,

I'm sorry if this is a redundant thread, but the threads I saw regarding sticky pads were on horns that had been in use for a while.

So, I have got a new horn with a pad that sticks intermittently. Is this just something that happens and will get better with time?

Any tips on alleviating it?

Thanks!

Not uncommon on new pads / sax too.
Try to avoid any beverages with sugar before or during playing.
Gently clean the pad and rim of tonehole. Use a Q-tip & drop of Zippo fluid (naphtha) on Q-tip. Pledge is an option.
Swab or use shove - in pad saver after playing to remove excess moisture. Let air dry in open case or on stand.
The issue should dissipate in time.

 

[sax_man]

Not uncommon on new pads / sax too.
Try to avoid any beverages with sugar before or during playing.
Gently clean the pad and rim of tonehole. Use a Q-tip & drop of Zippo fluid (naphtha) on Q-tip. Pledge is an option.
Swab or use shove - in pad saver after playing to remove excess moisture. Let air dry in open case or on stand.
The issue should dissipate in time.

Thank you!

 

[Colin the Bear]

A pad? G#? Maybe C#?

 

[sax_man]

A pad? G#? Maybe C#?

It happens when I play the C key.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Still not sure what is sticking. Is C not closing or sticking shut?

 

[sax_man]

Sticking shut.

 

[PigSquealer]

Sticking shut.

That’s at lowest point in bow. Clean gently with pledge and let dry well before using again.
To check spring setting. Lay sax on side with C up. Hit the touch and release. The cup should have positive action returning to open. Lacking could be a reason to stick closed. Too much spring and your RH pinky will suffer. It’s a balancing act.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Check that the spring hasn't dislodged from the cradle or broken. Is it flopping about?

 

[sax_man]

Hi Colin,

It's solid so I don't think the spring is the issue.

Thanks

 

[PigSquealer]

Hi Colin,

It's solid so I don't think the spring is the issue.

Thanks

Good you’ve qualified this as not a mechanical issue.
Two polished surfaces will stick together more readily than a smooth and rough.
The origin and tanning process of pad leather varies. Some are polished leather.
The tack between surfaces can be reduced with lubricants.
Naphtha is slightly oily and evaporative. Minimal exposure interaction treatment if used conservatively.
Pledge has wax and petroleum oils. The product is approved for sealed leather. That doesn’t translate to use more or soaking.
You can always add a bit more…. Just like salt on food. Experience, it’s a thing 😉

 

[sax_man]

Good you’ve qualified this as not a mechanical issue.
Two polished surfaces will stick together more readily than a smooth and rough.
The origin and tanning process of pad leather varies. Some are polished leather.
The tack between surfaces can be reduced with lubricants.
Naphtha is slightly oily and evaporative. Minimal exposure interaction treatment if used conservatively.
Pledge has wax and petroleum oils. The product is approved for sealed leather. That doesn’t translate to use more or soaking.
You can always add a bit more…. Just like salt on food. Experience, it’s a thing 😉
View attachment 35620

Great tips, thanks!

 

[skeller047]

Most new pads are “treated” with something, a coating to keep them from deteriorating under the onslaught of saliva, beer and small fragments of what was for dinner tonight. Unfortunately, this coating will also readily stick to the tonehole…

@PigSquealer ’s advice on naptha and/or Pledge is good. I will only add this - when using Pledge, or any polish/cleaner product (Meguiar’s automotive cleaner/wax and Old English lemon oil are two other common choices), do the following:

Dip the Q-tip (cotton bud) into the product, then remove most of it by squeezing it in a paper towel. Then carefully and gently wipe the seat area of the pad. Otherwise, you will deposit too much of the oily stuff on the pad, which will soon start sticking worse.

Naptha (lighter fluid) doesn’t have this problem, as it evaporates quickly. But it will also dry out the leather a bit so again, gentle careful wiping is a must. I often use both types of products - first naptha to clean, then lemon oil, applied very sparingly as above, to condition.

 

[sax_man]

Good news! Playing today shows the problem seems to have alleviated itself.

Thanks for all the tips

 

[cappers]

When I got my alto back from a service and new Yamaha pads, some of the top stack pads got sticky after playing. I cleaned them and the tone holes with lighter fluid but it took several attempts before the sticking stopped. I always brush my teeth and drink water before playing.

Checked with my tech and he said new Yama pads can get a bit sticky at first, keep on with the lighter fluid if still sticky. No problems with them today.