Just wondering if you have had success using another maker’s reed in your chanter. On a whim, I stuck a David Daye reed in my Hughes and it seems to work. Might solve a lot of potential problems if it holds true. I haven’t done a check with a tuner, but upon first listen it sounds workable.
Arbo
I’ve played a Robbie Hughes chanter for more than 15 years, and I’m still playing the drones and regs of this set.
I found that most other makers’ reeds don’t fit well, usually I’ve had problems with a weak back D and an out-of-tune high octave. However, with a suitable reed (Robbie’s reeds are great), I’ve always found this chanter to be very reliable and easy to tune.
These chanters usually require a tapered staple, you should ask Robbie for the exact measurements, the correct staple is crucial. Reeds made according to Tim Britton’s method as described in his book will work very well in a Hughes chanter.
Of course he might have changed the design of his chanters in the meantime, mine was made 30 years ago.
If the Daye reed works in your chanter - great!
I do not have direct experience with Hughes’ chanters. I do, however have some experience with David Daye’s reeds. They are excellent, and sometimes respond well in other chanters. . .with some reservations. They may play in scale, but not at concert pitch.
They may be made to play at concert pitch, but over time may start to play out of scale. My theory is that the reed and the chanter are a coupled feedback system and when you hook a reed up to a bore it is not ‘expecting’ it may respond in unpredictable ways.
As an aside, I have been around pipers who have had Hughes chanters, and had fits trying to reed them. If Michael Loos has had good luck with his, I would be guided by his advice.
Bob