How to Identify Leaking Pads on a Woodwind Instrument

Woodwind instruments use pads between the holes and the hole covers or buttons to effectively block and redirect the airflow. However, moisture builds over time and can deteriorate the pads on your instrument, resulting in leaks. Leaking pads can affect the sound quality of your woodwind instrument and make it difficult to play. Keep your pads properly maintained for the best performance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Identify any notes that sound airy or that produce a high-pitched squeak or squeal. Beginning players may produce squeaking sounds as a result of poor technique, but if you're a well-trained musician and your instrument is squeaking, the problem is probably with the equipment.
2. Take the instrument apart and test each section individually. Close all the holes and cup the end of the section to block the airflow. Blow into the other end.
3. Listen for the sound of air coming out of the holes. The holes are all closed and the airflow is blocked from exiting the end of the section, so you should feel resistance when you blow into the instrument.
4. Check the pads you think are leaking by taking the instrument into a dark room and shining a small flashlight from inside each section while holding the holes closed. Check to see if the light shines out from under any of the hole covers, identifying a leaky spot.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean out your woodwind instrument every time you play it to remove the excess moisture and slow down pad deterioration.
• Don't attempt maintenance on your instrument if you are not experienced. You can easily check for leaking pads on your own, but if you identify a leak and don't know how to change the pad yourself, take it to a repair shop to avoid damaging the instrument.