Proctor’s Instrumental Repair

This is an equiptment evaluation of Kangaroo or “Roo” pads.  “Roo” pads, not to be confused with Saxgormet pads (which in the past have been referred to as roo pads), are made of white leather.  Their claim is that “they do not stick” and that they are quieter.  As you can see from the pictures of the Buscher I have played with a full set of “Roo” pads.

First off, they are not stick proof, I have to say with the matte finish and matte lacquer on my Buscher, I have not had an issue with sticky pads, however on my Yanigasawa I have a “Roo” pad on the upper octave key and it does stick.  I replaced the original one because it was very loud.

Second the claim of the “Roo” pads that they are quieter is absolutely right.  They are much quieter, the leather is softer, the felt is more firm and they seal wonderfully, and hold adjustments very long.

The biggest complaint that I heard about the Saxgormet pads, which came out before the “Roo” pads, is that they were too short, and needed too much glue, or too many spacers to achieve the height of traditional pads, and the seasoned players could not get used to it.  The “Roo” pads have fixed that problem, they have a stiffer back, and thicker felt, plus the leather is a bit thicker and more durable than the Saxgormet.

I feel like I should have some sort of rating system and just about everyone understands stars… so I will use stars out of 5.  For “Roo” pads I give ★★★★★.

Next I will evaluate resonators so you can put together the best combination of pads and resonators for your horn.

Here are some pictures of a saxophone overhaul that I recently did on a Buescher Aristocrat.  I wish I still had the pictures of before I worked on it.  It started out as half lacquered brass (it was very worn), with nickle plated keys.  I did a complete overhaul including; leveling the keys, replacing all the pads with kangaroo pads, putting resonators on all the keys (except for the octave pip’s) re-plating the body with a matte nickel finish, and then matte lacquer.  Along with all of the typical adjustments and tinkering.  In my opinion, and in the opinion of Rusty Higgins, one of the top studio saxophonists in L.A., this saxophone is great.  I personally use it for classical, or concert band gigs.  It does not have the projection of my 9937 Solid Silver Yanagisawa, but it does have a wonderful tone.  In the pictures you can see the plating, the pads and resonators, the custom neck reinforcement, and the key work.  If you have questions, or are inquiring on an overhaul for yourself or purchase of this horn please send me an email from the contact page, or post a comment.

If you haven’t visited in a while, or this is your first time I am an instrumental repair technician.  I specialize in woodwinds and do clarinet and flute overhauls.  My main instrument is saxophone and have done some custom work with them and other instruments.  If you need some work done let me know.  Check out my other pages located on this site for further information.