Hi, I’m considering getting replacement Baritone drone that blows an A note to go with me set, I’ve heard that it gives a sweetness to the sound.
I was wondering what other peoples views on this were? Are there any videos online of pipers using this configuration and would i present problems when playing tunes in G major.
Cheers
You might notice some dissonance if you use the A drone in G tunes.
Some pipes (mine included) have a 4th drone. Mine is in G and can be tuned up to A without losing stability or balance. The drone is mounted “outboard” on the stock and has a separate “switch” which allows me to play with or without the 4th drone.
If you opt to peplace the baritone drone with the A drone, you might need some way of stopping the A drone when you don’t want it.
Thanks for that. Its just an add on to the current set (the drone is on sale on ebay and i have a mind to buy it.) My set is second hand, when i have a set built (once im good enough) i’d look into the set up you have as it sounds ideal. I just figured for the time being this might be an interesting option.
A quick question are a or g drones always baritone or do they sometimes match the note on the chanter?
Most of the A/G drones I’ve seen and heard are pitched at the A/G between the bari and tenor D drones.
However, Mikie Smyth has a very unusual set up with his flat set where the bass drone can play G. He gets some lovely sounds out of that mix.
Love Mickie’s playing. I believe his is just the top of the bass removed.
Great sound he gets on the Wild Keys