On Hohner Pianets a sticky pad is a small rubber pad that sits on the hammer arm at the far end of the key. Its function is to mute the Pianet reed when the key is at rest position, and to spring off the reed when the key is played. This lifting off the reed causes the reed to vibrate which generates a tone. This is then converted to an electrical signal by the Pianet pickup.
They are called ‘sticky pads’ because they have a slight adhesive quality, causing them to stick on the reed at rest position. This is to ensure they fully dampen the reed.
Design:
There are two main types of sticky pad design for different models of Pianet. The first and older type of pad is for the C, L, N, and Combo models. These are made of a ‘sandwich’ of a plastic top, foam middle, and a rubber tip on the end. The tip is designed with a slightly tacky adhesive quality that allows the pad to lightly stick to the reed, but release then the key is pressed. These pads are quite prone to wearing out, and replacements are somewhat hard to find. The sound of these is generally more mellow than the later type of sticky pads.
The second type of pad is designed for the Pianet T, M and Clavinet/Pianet Duo models. These are a more modern design and made of silicone rubber. The entire pad here is slightly tacky, and the sound is a touch brighter than the older type of pad. These pads are much easier to purchase, with Clavinet.com being a good place.
Function:
The Hohner Pianet has a unique tone generation design in electric pianos. Instead of a tine, reed, or string being struck by a hammer; the pad on a Pianet acts as a damper. When a key is pressed the key pivots around a central point that than causes the pad to lift off the reed. The velocity of the note pressed corresponds with how fast the pad lifts off the reed. For example a hard press will cause the reed to vibrate more aggressively causing a louder tone. The opposite is true for quiet playing. A series of pickups then sends this signal to the line out where it is sent to an amplifier.
It is important that the sticky pad is placed on the hammer arm at the optimal point. By moving the pad significant variations of tone and dynamic can be achieved. The ideal placement is where the note is the clearest and sustains the longest.
Common issues:
Due to its dual function as a damper and hammer mechanism, it is usually the first place to look if there is a problem with tone. The main issue that comes with older sticky pads is that they are not aligned correctly and that the pads themselves are dirty. See the post about Pianet tone issues for more information.
If pads are missing or damaged then replacement ones are recommended. New pads can have a significant increase in tone and clarity, but if older pads are decent condition and placed correctly the tone can improved without the expense of new pads.
