What are the best clarinet pads?
The clarinet is a personal adventure for all who seek to master the instrument. Along the way, we obtain preferences that we like and dislike. We find the right amount of resistance we are willing to tolerate. We decide whether we want silver or nickel (gold or rose gold; maybe a topic for another day). However, at the end of the day, these are all personal variables at play. We make the choices that shape what we are looking for in our sound.
As a young performer or student, it is helpful to have a teacher who guides you. However, it’s important to remember that education is not about indoctrination or making someone like exactly what you like—it’s about teaching them how to choose what works best for them and how to make educated decisions. I hope this article serves that purpose by educating those who read it on the different options available when it comes to clarinet pads.
We have our preference, which we will share at the end. But at our shop, while we’ll gladly give our suggestions, we always leave it up to you to make the final decision—once you have the information to make it an informed one.
The Different Types of Clarinet Pads
Just like mouthpieces or barrels, pads play a vital role in shaping how your clarinet feels and responds. The type of pad you choose can influence everything from the way your keys feel under your fingers to how quickly your clarinet responds to subtle air changes. Below are the most common pad types, along with their advantages and tradeoffs.
Cork Pads
Cork pads are a classic choice, known for their durability and firm seal. You’ll often find them used on the upper joint, particularly for keys that experience a lot of condensation—like the register key, throat A key, or small trill keys.
Cork resists moisture better than felt-based pads and is less likely to swell or warp. It provides a crisp, solid feel when closing the key and tends to last for years with minimal maintenance. The tradeoff is that cork doesn’t compress as much as other materials, so it requires precise fitting by the technician. When installed correctly, however, cork pads give a snappy response and excellent longevity.
Skin Pads
Skin pads—sometimes called bladder or fish-skin pads—are one of the most traditional pad types used across woodwinds. These pads have a felt core wrapped in a thin skin (often goldbeater’s skin). They create a soft, airtight seal that works beautifully on larger tone holes and under moderate finger pressure.
Skin pads offer a warm, cushioned feel and excellent response for nuanced playing. However, they are more susceptible to changes in humidity and can wear faster than cork, especially in climates with heavy moisture or rapid temperature swings. Many players appreciate their gentle, tactile closure and the slightly “cushier” feel they bring to the keys.
Leather Pads
Leather pads are typically thicker and more robust than skin pads. They can withstand more wear and are less likely to tear or deform from moisture. For that reason, they are commonly used on bass clarinets or instruments exposed to more condensation.
However, leather tends to be very sticky if not maintained—and even with regular maintenance, some types of leather naturally cling more than others. This can make them frustrating for players in humid climates or for those who prefer a fast, light action. That said, not all leather pads are created equal. Some varieties are treated or finished to reduce tackiness.
In our experience, kangaroo leather pads from MusicMedic stand out as the best of the leather options. They seal beautifully, hold their shape, and are less prone to sticking than traditional leathers, offering a good compromise between durability and playability.
Synthetic Pads
Synthetic pads are a modern innovation designed to combine the advantages of other materials while minimizing their weaknesses. They can be made from materials like silicone, Gore-Tex, or proprietary composites that are impervious to moisture.
The result is a pad that holds its seal for years without swelling or shrinking. They’re exceptionally stable in varying climates, making them popular among touring musicians or players in humid regions.
Synthetic pads do tend to feel slightly firmer, and each brand has its own tonal and tactile qualities. Some offer a very quick response and light touch, while others mimic the feel of skin or leather more closely.
Our Perspective
At Clarinets by Copeland, we believe pad choice should reflect both the player’s style and the instrument’s purpose. However, we do have our own preferred setup based on years of professional experience and repair work.
For a professional setup, we prefer cork pads on the upper joint, or at least in the moisture-prone and venting areas where cork can be beveled for precise sealing. On the lower joint, we use a custom synthetic pad—similar in design to Valentino—that is firm, seals exceptionally well, and lasts for a very long time. These pads offer the airtightness and consistency we look for without the stickiness of leather, even in changing humidity.
This combination gives players the best of both worlds: the clarity and stability of cork where it matters most, and the durability and dependability of synthetic pads where long-term performance is key.
-Jonathan Copeland