We set out to create a synthetic saxophone pad that doesn't suffer from the shortcomings that leather pads do.
Here are a few reasons why we believe GelPads are better:
Leather pads can change shape when wet, or when subjected to hot or cold temperatures. GelPads are waterproof and unaffected by typical fluctuations in temperature.
This means you can say goodbye to temporary fixes like key clamps or bore swabs after playing, and your pads will still seal easily on your next session.
Installing and leveling leather pads well is an acquired skill that can take years of practice to perfect, and requires a host of specialized tools.
With GelPads, keys held closed with springs typically self-level when heated, and other keys level with a gentle pressure and a little help from an awl or screwdriver.
Check out our full repad tutorial to see just how easy it is!
Over time, all pads will accumulate dust, dirt, oils, and anything you eat or drink before playing, leading to sticky or poorly sealing pads.
Cleaning GelPads is a simple process that players can easily do themselves. Using a cotton swab or similar tool with soapy water or a mild solvent like alcohol, pads can be restored to their original condition in a matter of minutes.
On average, GelPads cost around 20% less than leather pads. A full set of GelPads for a tenor sax costs around $75, where leather pads typically cost between $90-$150.
Cut your overhead costs while providing your clients with a set of pads that will feel great to play for an exceptionally long time!
The body of the pad is a rigid thermoplastic shell, and the sealing ring is a silicone-based material designed to be fully opaque for use with a leak light, and also non-sticky to seal and release easily.
Because the pad is rigid at room temperature, you'll want to size them smaller (by around 1mm) than you would when fitting a leather pad.
The short answer is, we don't know yet! On a tenor saxophone that's played daily, the current set of GelPads was installed in mid-2024 has shown no signs of wear, and are sealing just as they did when first installed.
In addition, no major adjustments have been needed since installing, and no issues with playing in hot, cold, humid or dry conditions have come up.
Leather pads are usually sized to fit snugly in the pad cup so the sides of the pad make contact and a little pressure with the lip of the cup. GelPads are rigid, and must be sized slightly smaller (usually 1mm) than the lip of the cup in order to fit inside.
GelPads can be held in place with the typical adhesives like shellac or hot glue. The pad "floats" on the adhesive when heated and will keep it's shape and orientation when cool.
The plastic shell will start to become malleable at around 200 Celsius, and can be molded to fit unlevel tone holes if needed.
Check out the tutorial videos for demonstrations of installation and maintenance.
The silicone ring can accumulate dust over time, and can be easily cleaned at home using common household items. View the tutorial video to see how it's done.
You may notice some slight stickyness between the pad and tone hole on a brand new pad if the seal is too "good". In our experience this goes away after a few hours of playing the horn.
The center of the pad shell is made of a rigid plastic dome, and performs similarly to the Selmer-style plastic domed resonators.
Currently, the design isn't compatible with metal resonators, but we're working on it!