Pad Pop On Ribbed and Single Post Construction. Does It Make A Difference?
I was recently asked if the long sustained tones and instant, loud, percussive pop of the pad work on a Conn Transitional tenor I Overhauled were the result of the Single Post Construction on that horn. The implication being that a horn with Ribbed Construction would inherently resonate less.
It is a good and valid question.
The answer is no. The pop of your pads is in indication of the seal of the pads. It is an indication of the level of
I was recently asked if the long sustained tones and instant, loud, percussive pop of the pad work on a Conn Transitional tenor I Overhauled were the result of the Single Post Construction on that horn. The implication being that a horn with Ribbed Construction would inherently resonate less.
It is a good and valid question.
The answer is no. The pop of your pads is in indication of the seal of the pads. It is an indication of the level of
detail put into the pad work by the tech that did the overhaul. It is also linked to the tolerances to which the key work has been fit - the lower the tolerances the more accurate and silent the key strokes, which will emphasize the pop and resonance of the presumably perfect seal.
Here are two videos that you can compare back to back. The first is of a 1965 Mark VI with Ribbed Construction
Here are two videos that you can compare back to back. The first is of a 1965 Mark VI with Ribbed Construction
The second is of a Conn Transitional with single post construction. They both have profoundly long sustains and harmonics evident in just the percussive pop of the pads. It is interesting to note the pop of the High B pad on the Selmer. It's like a super high tom and it rings and rings.
In comparing these two videos I honestly think the Selmer, with the Ribbed Construction, has the longer sustain. But since I have a thing for Conns, I like the pop of the Conn better still.
In comparing these two videos I honestly think the Selmer, with the Ribbed Construction, has the longer sustain. But since I have a thing for Conns, I like the pop of the Conn better still.