Best Clarinet pads

Replacement of your clarinet pads is something you will have to do if you are playing a clarinet. When you notice that your pads are getting discolored, or tattered than you know it is time for replacement. You can also try out the suction test to see whether your clarinet is leaking air.

Clarinet pads are offered by a variety of brands so prices can vary. Choosing the right replacement pad for your clarinet is not straightforward as you have to be knowledgeable about the various brand qualities. However, you do not need to worry much as we have done the research for you. In this guide, we present to you the best clarinet pads in the market.

Best Clarinet pads – Comparison Table

ModelNo. of piecesSuitability Availability
SATINIOR 27 Pieces27Bb ClarinetCheck Price
ROSENICE 17pcs Clarinet pads3pc, 2pc, and 11pc-Check Price
Andoer Clarinet Leather pads replacement17pcs different sizesVariesCheck Price
Valentino 700151MultipleVariesCheck Price
Instrument Clinic IC54017pcsMost brandsCheck Price

Reviews of the Best Clarinet pads

SATINIOR 27 Pieces – Best Bb Clarinet pad

The SATINIOR pad consists of 10 pieces of clarinet neck joint cork and another 17 pieces of clarinet pads for the Bb woodwind clarinet. The materials are made from durable materials so you are guaranteed on their quality. The clarinet cork is made from fine material which guarantees its elasticity while the Bb instrument pad is made from sheep casing.

The SATINIOR cork sheet is made from an excellent material that is capable of compressing and decompressing. This helps in noise resistance, offers good sealing and abrasion resistance. This SATNIOR set fits most Bb clarinets.

What we liked:

  • Affordable
  • Made from durable materials
  • Full repair kit
  • Cork is capable of compressing and decompressing

What we did not like:

  • Suitable for Bb Clarinets only

 

View price here

 

ROSENICE 17pcs Clarinet pads – Best Sheep skin pads

This clarinet pad is ideal for replacing worn and non-functioning clarinet parts. The pads are well constructed to ensure they seal tightly. They are made from soft felt and high quality sheep skin and are available in white color. Included in the package is 1pc diameter 15.1mm pads, 3pcs diameter 17.3mm pads, 11pcs diameter 10mm pads, and 2pcs diameter 12mm pads. Since they are made from sheep skin they tend to be durable and soft. The pads are nudget friendly and since you will not find any sticky part of them you will need glue to stick them into place.

What we liked:

  • Made from high quality sheep skin
  • Well-constructed to ensure tight seals
  • Affordable
  • White color

What we did not like:

  • Limited functionality

 

View price here

 

Andoer Clarinet Leather pads replacement – Best Value for money pads

The brand Andoer is well known for high quality products and their pads are no different. These pads are made from good lambskin and this ensures their durability and aesthetics. The leather pads are available as a package of 17 different diameter pads with each size being used to fit the instrument. Since the pads are designed for use in a clarinet they do fit perfectly and this ensures it is airtight.

For beginners you will find these pads quite easy to use as you only need hot glue and a lighter to fix them into place. This will come in handy for students who may not have that much funds to have their clarinet repaired in a local music store. The best part is that they are durable and this offers you good value for money.

What we liked:

  • Offers good value for money
  • 17 different diameter pads
  • Made from high-quality and durable sheep skin
  • Ensures seals are tight

What we did not like:

  • Not readily available

 

View price here

 

Valentino 700151 – Best stick and Peel pads

Valentino is a distinguished brand when it comes to musical instruments and this pads are one of the best. The Valentino pads are quite easy to use because you do not need hot glue to apply them instead all you need is to attach them. The pads have a self-adhesive back that allows for easy peeling and sticking. This means you should make replacements in seconds.

You may be questioning the hardiness of stick and peel adhesive but it does work in the same way as the hot glue pads. The only downside is that the pads are pricier than the hot glue ones.

What we liked:

  • Great quality
  • Easy peel and stick pads
  • Attractive white color
  • Ensure life of your instrument

What we did not like:

  • Pricier and may be slightly too big to fit correctly

 

View price here

 

Instrument Clinic IC540 – Best Universal Clarinet pads

The instrument clinic pads are quite popular as they fit quite a number of clarinets including most Bb soprano. The pads are designed to require adhesive pellet for easy installation and come in a set of 17 pieces. This provides you with a full replacement kit for your old clarinet pads.

The Instrument clinic pads are made in the USA so you are assured that they have met some stringent quality standards. The pads have some gel like pellets that melt whenever you heat them up and this makes installation fast and easy. Should you make a mistake during installation, you can remove them and reapply them. You can use the pads on some popular clarinet brands like Yamaha, Selmer, Bundy, Vito, Noblet, Buffet, and Bundy.

What we liked:

  • Adhesive pellets for easy installation
  • Comes in set of 17 pieces
  • Fits most clarinet brands
  • Made from high quality materials

What we did not like:

  • One color

 

View price here

 

Buying Guide for the Best Clarinet pads

Most of the clarinet pads are often available on Amazon, which means you have an array of products to choose from. It is important that you consider your budget when searching for a clarinet pad. Clarinet accessories are determined by the kind of clarinet you purchased. Here are some factors to consider to improve your decision in purchasing the best clarinet pad.

Purchasing the clarinet

When it comes to woodwind instruments, the clarinet is one of the most popular instruments around. It can be used by beginner students, marching bands and professionals playing in an orchestra. When you are new to the world of woodwind instruments it can be challenging on the right instrument. Most of beginner students will start off with the Bb clarinet and proceed to other tones as they gain more skill. The least expensive option is the student clarinet as it is simplistic in design and easy to learn. This means the accompanying clarinet pads are not that complicated to use.

Next we go to the materials used for clarinets. If you are a beginner it is most probable you are going to be using a plastic clarinet. These tend to be cheaper and more easy to maintain unlike the wooden clarinet that do require lots of maintenance to prevent warping.

Types of clarinet

Clarinets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They also belong to a family with each type of instrument being used for a particular level of playing. The Bb clarinet is the most popular and is the one you will start with as a student or beginner player. The instrument is used for playing Jazz and has featured prominently in many large repertoire music. The Bb clarinet is easy to play and learn hence its suitability for students and beginners.

As you advance in your skill you may find yourself falling in love with classical music. At this point the best clarinet for you will be the A clarinet. Most of the Classical players will carry with them both the A and Bb clarinet and this allows for a variety of tones. The Eb clarinet belongs to the soprano family and is mainly deployed in concert bands and orchestras. It is also used for the production of higher melodies that you will find a bit challenging to play with the A and Bb clarinet. This type of clarinet is not recommended for students and is usually used by the professionals. The bass clarinets come with a sizeable repertoire and can be used for pop, jazz, and orchestral music. When compared to the other clarinets the Bass clarinet is larger and this necessitates it being used with a thorn.

Characteristics of a Quality Clarinet

The first thing you should check out for is that the keys that cover the clarinet holes should do so completely. They should also not be sticking. The clarinet joints should also be smooth and complete together. A thin layer of cork should cover the connecting joints. If you are using a wooden clarinet than the bore should be dry and clean. You should note that during plays a lot of spit will travel from your mouthpiece to the bore and if not well taken care of will cause some sort of deterioration on the bore.

You also need to carefully check the bell –this is the bottom of the clarinet – for signs of cracks. If the bell is distorted in anyway than you are going to experience sound distortions.

Clarinet materials

Clarinets can be categorized into three main levels – beginner, intermediate and professional. The skill level of the student will determine the kind of materials the clarinet is made from. When you are a beginner you do not want something that is too expensive as you may change your mind as to playing clarinets. A clarinet made from resin is the most suitable as it is durable and can withstand a variety of weather conditions. You will find such kind of clarinets with marching bands who love playing outdoors. The wooden clarinets are preferred by professionals and tend to produce the best sounds. However, wood does require a lot of maintenance as it warps and shrinks easily when exposed to humidity or dry weather conditions. For your child you can start them off with a plastic clarinet and upgrade to a wooden one as they grow.

Key materials

The keys are mainly made from nickel or silver but you can find some pricier clarinets that are made from gold. The benefits of nickel is that it is durable and does not tarnish unlike silver keys. It is the most common for student and beginner clarinets. Some clarinets are made from silver keys but they come with the drawback of being heavier than the nickel ones. They also produce a more darker tone than the nickel keys. While silver does look good on your clarinet it tarnishes easily and requires more care than the nickel keys.

Bore design

The bore design is integral to producing the right tone for your clarinet. A larger bore makes it harder to play the clarinet and this makes these type of clarinets not suitable for beginners or students. Medium sized bores are preferred when starting out as they combine both focus and flexibility. For professionals larger bores are desired as they give them more flexibility. During purchase note that cylindrical bores offer more flexibility and this contributes to greater sound volume. For superior intonation go for the poly cylindrical bores.

Clarinet maintenance

Once you have your clarinet in place you need to maintain it for it to play effectively. For the wooden clarinet you will need to acclimate it so that it does not crack. The rule is to always store your clarinet in its case when you are not using it. If you are playing in an area with dry weather conditions invest in a humidifier.

Customer Reviews

Since you are not the first person to use the clarinet pads being sold online it is wise to check out the customer reviews to know which are the best pads to use. You will find this reviews displayed on the bottom of each product. This review give you valuable feedback as to quality of replacement pads you are purchasing.

Recommended clarinet accessories

The polishing cloth comes with some small levels of silver polish that is used to keep the woodwork on your clarinet in optimal condition. This cleans it while extending the lifespan of the instrument by reducing erosion that often result from the natural oils on a players hands.

The pull through is another important accessory for your clarinet as it helps remove moisture from your bore after playing. Most of the pull through fabrics are made from leather, microfiber and chamois. For wooden clarinets the accessory helps prevent chances of growth of bacteria and mold.

The cork grease helps in assembling the clarinet. Whenever you feel the joints are becoming stiff you can apply some cork grease to the clarinets tenors. This helps reduce cases of bending key work which might be out of alignment. Before applying the cork grease it is recommended that you clean off any old grease with a kitchen cloth.

The clarinet stand is an important piece of equipment for any beginner player as it protects your instrument from breakages and damages. The stand keeps your clarinet safe by protecting it from being knocked off.

The clarinet string is commonly used for the saxophone and helps support the weight of the clarinet. While not common with professional players you will find the clarinet strings being used by younger players. During purchase look for a string that is comfortable on you and that is made from high quality materials.

FAQ

Should I rent or buy a clarinet?

It will depend on how long you will be playing musical. Rental in the long terms tends to add up to your monthly fees which might turn out not to be the best option. You also might find a clarinet that due to repeated use has a lot of wear and tear. Investing in one for yourself is the best option.

Does dry climate affect the quality of a clarinet?

If you have a wooden clarinet than dry environments tend to dry moisture from the clarinet which leads to the wood drying quickly and cracking. You can use a humidifier to keep it in optimal condition. Plastic and ebonite clarinets require less maintenance hence their suitability for student and beginner players.

Am a beginner should I go with the Bb clarinet or the A clarinet?

The Bb is the most recommended clarinet for beginners and students. It is easy to play and learn. Most of the large repertoire music is actually written in Bb. If you are into classical music then you can opt for the A clarinet.

Conclusion

It is not quite easy to find the right clarinet pad with so many brands on offer in the market. However, you can always check out the customer reviews to know from other users which one worked best for them. Keeping your clarinet working in optimal condition is paramount if you are going to get the sound quality you desire. Wooden clarinets require more maintenance than the plastic ones due to their ability to shrink and warp easily. This is a factor you should keep in mind depending on your skill level.

Charlotte Moore is a Clarinetist by profession and has over time offered lessons on how to play the clarinet among other musical instruments. And while a majority of clarinet players are well versed with the process of settling with a good clarinet among other accompanying features. There is little information about clarinets. The reason why Charlotte prepared comprehensive experts touching on the various facets of the clarinet. The consolidated information will offer more insight on everything clarinets including the best stand to use, and the best plastic clarinet that you can invest in, among other information. Charlotte Moore is a devoted mother of two and a professional clarinet player.

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