Alternate Method to Find Leaks in a Saxophone
Saxophone Pad Work Meets Flute Pad Work - Feeler Gauge
When repairing flutes and clarinets, often using a feeler gauge is preferable to a leak light. On occasion, to find truly pesky little leaks in a saxophone, I do the same thing. This feeler gauge is a long piece of balsa wood with a strip of mylar adhered to it. Just like with a flute, the key (in this case, a low C on a selmer super action 80) is gently depressed, with the mylar between the pad and the tone hole. Gently pull the mylar out, and if the pad is seating a slight “drag” will be felt. If no drag, pad is leaking. It is slightly more tedious than the traditional way with a leak light – I normally do this at the end of the process of repairing pads just to double check that nothing has been overlooked.
Saxophone Pad Work Meets Flute Pad Work - Feeler Gauge
