Lesson 1: Tuning Uilleann Pipe Chanter
Keeping your Uilleann Pipe Chanter reed in tune is definitely challenging and a little overwhelming at first. The reed is made of cane and is an organic material that is affected by the heat, cold and humidity in your house. In this lesson I will cover the basics of chanter tuning and hopefully answer some questions you may have about your reed and tuning. Learning to play is only 1/2 the battle, keeping an instrument sounding good and in tune is the other and it takes just as much time to learn. Don't be discouraged if learned to tune your bagpipe takes a long time, there is a lot of time and trial and error involved before you ever get it right.
Before, we get going there are couple things you should know. Play your pipes for 5 min before making any major adjustments and always exercise caution with handling the reed, they are very fragile.
Keeping your Uilleann Pipe Chanter reed in tune is definitely challenging and a little overwhelming at first. The reed is made of cane and is an organic material that is affected by the heat, cold and humidity in your house. In this lesson I will cover the basics of chanter tuning and hopefully answer some questions you may have about your reed and tuning. Learning to play is only 1/2 the battle, keeping an instrument sounding good and in tune is the other and it takes just as much time to learn. Don't be discouraged if learned to tune your bagpipe takes a long time, there is a lot of time and trial and error involved before you ever get it right.
Before, we get going there are couple things you should know. Play your pipes for 5 min before making any major adjustments and always exercise caution with handling the reed, they are very fragile.
When to Adjust a Reed
It's pretty simple, when your reed is out of tune, too hard or easy to play its time to make some adjustments. However, it's important to keep in mind that constant adjusting of the reed to achieve "perfect" tuning can ruin the reed, and waste valuable playing time. If you adjust a reed incorrectly you can make the problem worse, create a new problem or damage the reed. If your reed is in tune, playing at a comfortable pressure, able to achieve the second octave, has a back D that sounds good, and a bottom D that doesn't gurgle then thank the Uilleann Pipe gods and enjoy your instrument. Don't mess with your reed, If your reed doesn't sound like all the things I just described then lets begin learning to tune your chanter reed.
What Do I need to Tune a Chanter?
You should have these 5 things in your pipe case at all times to help tune your chanter reed.
1) Electrical Tape
2) Bagpipe Hemp
3) Instrument Tuner
4) Needle Nose Pliers
5) Humidifier
1) Electrical Tape
2) Bagpipe Hemp
3) Instrument Tuner
4) Needle Nose Pliers
5) Humidifier
Making chanter Sharper or Flatter
Tuning Individual Notes
Tuning The Second Octave
Reed Quite and Weak Back D
(VIDEO COMING SOON)
A reed that is quiet, has a weak back D, and is sharp in pitch indicates that the lips may be too closed. The lips can often be opened either by sliding the bridle up, or by carefully squeezing the outside corners of the bridle. Remember that a tiny adjustment in of the bridle can make a great difference. You can either use your fingers or a set of pliers carefully to do it.
A reed that is quiet, has a weak back D, and is sharp in pitch indicates that the lips may be too closed. The lips can often be opened either by sliding the bridle up, or by carefully squeezing the outside corners of the bridle. Remember that a tiny adjustment in of the bridle can make a great difference. You can either use your fingers or a set of pliers carefully to do it.
Reed is LOud and cant hit 2nd octave
(VIDEO COMING SOON)
A reed that is too loud, has difficulty getting the second octave, and is flat in pitch may be too open. This can often be corrected by closing the aperture of the lips by either sliding the bridle down, or carefully squeezing it closed while. Remember that a tiny adjustment in of the bridle can make a great difference. You can either use your fingers or a set of pliers carefully to do it.
A reed that is too loud, has difficulty getting the second octave, and is flat in pitch may be too open. This can often be corrected by closing the aperture of the lips by either sliding the bridle down, or carefully squeezing it closed while. Remember that a tiny adjustment in of the bridle can make a great difference. You can either use your fingers or a set of pliers carefully to do it.
How long will a reed Last?
There is a no one correct answer to this question. There are just simply to many factors to take in mind. However, if you take good care of your reed then it should last you a very long time. Most problems that diminish the longevity of a reed can be reduced if the proper steps are taken.
Step 1: Do not leave your pipes near airconditoners, heaters or in direct sunlight.
Step 2: Keep humidifier in pipe case. (Here is the one I use.)
By just doing these two things you are greatly reducing the chances for your reed becoming excessively dry. If you don't do these 2 things you run the risk of the cane drying out, consequential warping, leaking, closing up and your pipes being rendered unplayable.
Step 1: Do not leave your pipes near airconditoners, heaters or in direct sunlight.
Step 2: Keep humidifier in pipe case. (Here is the one I use.)
By just doing these two things you are greatly reducing the chances for your reed becoming excessively dry. If you don't do these 2 things you run the risk of the cane drying out, consequential warping, leaking, closing up and your pipes being rendered unplayable.