Systems for raising pads on musical instruments to enable drying of pads and increase air flow around the pad and a body of the musical instrument. A vent spanner device, including a positioning feature and a retention feature, is placed between a pad and its corresponding vent to create an air gap. A pad prop is placed against a key mechanism or between the key mechanism and/or the body to raise a pad from sealing its corresponding vent. A linkage feature connects one or more vent spanners, pad props, end pieces, key mechanisms, or the body, and provides storage.