Speaker Key Question

[kevgermany]

I just bought a used FA Uebel german system clarinet for my son to repalce his older, lower spec model.

The speaker key has a little 'finger' pointing up from the pad into the hole. Even fully open, the point of the finger is partly bocking the hole. Looks as if it's a crudely carved sliver of cork stuck to the pad.

Before I go messing things up, can anyone tell me what it's for? Clarinet plays beautifully, but will need some new pads soon. And I need to know what to do about the finger...

 

[Steve]

that is called a 'Hasty" pad

It is supposed to improve response and minimize grunting of high B and C notes.

it basically reduces the volume of the register vent even when open and reduces the grunting and provides a less spread tone.

 

[kevgermany]

Thanks. Looks like a trial and error thing - or am I missing something?

 

[kevgermany]

I think I found my own answer

http://test.woodwind.org/oboe/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=230085&t=230056

Thanks, fascinating topic!

 

[Steve]

Thanks. Looks like a trial and error thing - or am I missing something?

yes it is in a way

i was searching on eBay as there was just there one of Brad Behn's former R13 with a hasty pad solution on it. with a metal spring used in the cork that goes into the register vent. I cannot seem to find it anymore, it was there earlier.