Walstein Alto - Leaks & sticky C

[pkreli]

I got some leaks after about a week, specially while fingering A & G. I couldn't play the low notes. I took it to a tech, he had initially advised for adjusting spring tension. So the leaks got more or less fixed when he adjusted the springs and I could play the lower notes.

I checked it out with my own leak light back home and I could see that there are still some leaks when my finger pressure is light. My playing pressure seals the leaks though and I can play all the notes. Is it something I should be concerned about ?

And ever since the tech adjusted the spring tension, the C pad tends to get sticky. He always advises me to use dollar bill or powder pad to clear up the sticky pad but I'm not so satisfied as this is a new sax (2 months now).

 

[PaulyT]

The age and quality of your sax, unfortunately, has no bearing on sticky pads. If you look back at some of the threads you'll find that there are various reasons for it, including whether you've just had a sugary drink before playing. Often the problem manifests itself on the G# pad. I get that and I obviate it by sliding a piece of paper under the pad when the sax is not being played. I also use a "padsaver" but, to be honest, I'm not sure how much good that actually does.
Good Luck with it,
PaulyT

 

[pkreli]

PaulyT wrote:
The age and quality of your sax, unfortunately, has no bearing on sticky pads. If you look back at some of the threads you'll find that there are various reasons for it, including whether you've just had a sugary drink before playing. Often the problem manifests itself on the G# pad. I get that and I obviate it by sliding a piece of paper under the pad when the sax is not being played. I also use a "padsaver" but, to be honest, I'm not sure how much good that actually does.
Good Luck with it,
PaulyT

Thanks Pauly ! Yes, I've been careful not to take sugary drinks while playing and to rinse before playing etc. I guess I'll have to get used to clearing up sticky pads.

By the way, is it necessary to clean up each and every pad before I pack up the sax in the case ? I enjoy polishing and pulling-through to remove moisture but cleaning the pads is, well, just too much ...

 

[PaulyT]

"By the way, is it necessary to clean up each and every pad before I pack up the sax in the case?"

I don't think so - I don't. I pull through a couple of times and slip my paper under the G# pad but that's it. Before playing I always operate every key to ensure that the pads are free and easy.
There are preparations and powders to stop the pads sticking and their effectiveness is, occasionally, debated on here but opinion as to their usefulness seems to be divided.
You could spend half an hour cleaning your pads each time you play, but, that would mean half an hour less playing!! Booo
All the Best,
Paul