Description
High quality stick shellac is the professionals choice for affixing pads on oboe, English horn, and bassoon.
These sticks are heat malleable, high adhesion, and reheatable.
A very basic method of using these is to choose a heat source, heat and drip some shellac onto the backing of the pad. We use a butane torch, though it’s possible a lighter, or match could work in a pinch situation. We also add just a little in the preheated pad cup. Reheat the pad cup and drop the pad in place, not pushing hard or the shellac can splurge out the sides.
There’s a lot more finesse to this, and other steps we’re not explaining here. We do recommend taking lessons with a repair tech if you intend to replace many pads, and avoid using shellac for the first time in an emergency situation. Do some experimenting.
We often choose white shellac when affixing white kid leather bassoon pads. It has the lowest melting point of the three, and if a little gets on the side of the pad, it’s not as visible.
The amber shellac is our main ‘go-to’ shellac for cork pads, and most bladder skin pads, such as those on oboe.
Some folks prefer to use the clear version for all around work. One stick of any of the three will last through a few full overhauls, or for many years, if only used from time to time.
The price listed is for one stick. The pads shown are for illustrative purposes only, and are not included. Sticks are approximately 7″ x 1/2″ x 1/4″.
