A disk for stabilizing a pad assembly in a key cup for closure of a wind instrument tone hole includes an integral body made of a material which is in a solid state at a room temperature and in a malleable state at a predetermined temperature higher than the room temperature.

A predetermined sound interval interlocking mechanism 7 for making opening and closing operations of sound hole covers 4 of an existing sound range interlock with opening and closing operations of sound hole covers 4 of an expanded sound range is provided and a sound hole switching mechanism capable of collectively closing the sound holes of the high-pitched range by one key operation is provided independent from the predetermined sound interval interlocking mechanism 7. By using the above described mechanisms, both ranges can be played only by the operation of selecting the sound range and operating the sound hole covers 4 of the existing sound range. In addition, a slide plate 9 sliding along an inner surface of the tube for forcibly opening and closing the sound holes 3 from the inside of the tube is proposed as the sound hole switching mechanism.

A predetermined sound interval interlocking mechanism 7 for making opening and closing operations of sound hole covers 4 of an existing sound range interlock with opening and closing operations of sound hole covers 4 of an expanded sound range is provided and a sound hole switching mechanism capable of collectively closing the sound holes of the high-pitched range by one key operation is provided independent from the predetermined sound interval interlocking mechanism 7. By using the above described mechanisms, both ranges can be played only by the operation of selecting the sound range and operating the sound hole covers 4 of the existing sound range. In addition, a slide plate 9 sliding along an inner surface of the tube for forcibly opening and closing the sound holes 3 from the inside of the tube is proposed as the sound hole switching mechanism.

Herein described are structures and assemblies used to level tone hole pads in woodwind instruments and methods of using the same. The structures and assemblies are self-leveling and include a gimbal support structure, a socket member, and a tone hole pad. The gimbal support structure attaches to a tone hole cover or cap and comprises a ball, stem and base. The socket member engages a housing positioned within the tone hole pad and the ball engages the socket member. Methods are provided for installation and use of the structures and assemblies.

Herein described are structures and assemblies used to level tone hole pads in woodwind instruments and methods of using the same. The structures and assemblies are self-leveling and include a gimbal support structure, a socket member, and a tone hole pad. The gimbal support structure attaches to a tone hole cover or cap and comprises a ball, stem and base. The socket member engages a housing positioned within the tone hole pad and the ball engages the socket member. Methods are provided for installation and use of the structures and assemblies.