Flat pads

One of the things I’ve found that I really enjoy about my self-made saxophone pads is that they’re really, really flat. I think that that’s basically what happens when you have an even tension on the skin all around, and it isn’t too tight.

Getting an even tension on the skin is part of the handwork of making the pad, and while it is not difficult to do, it helps to be attentive and have an understanding of seating pads when you are making pads to do them well.

A flat pad, in my opinion, makes it easier to do good padwork.