I know by now you are probably sick of my reed question so I’ll try make this the last one. As I said in another thread I have a new set and new reed so, after suffering with poor ones, I now finally have a beautiful reed (still getting used to it!)
The thing is that I am student and so do most of my playing in the most remote rooms of my College. The temp is always pretty high in the college and varies greatly depending on the room I can get that is free. (usually way too hot) I count my luck when I can find a room that is either normal room temp or that I can open a window in. If I play where it is moderately to fairly hot for any length of time, I find that is flattens my back D and the chanter is almost too easy on my bag arm(back D starts breaking etc.)
I have had to open the lips of the reed 2 times in the past 2 weeks to remedy this after playing during the day in College. I don’t think they are going to provide me with a room especially for practicing so I want your advice.
For the longevity of my reed and my sanity and patience, do you think I am running the risk of ruining my reed in the long term? should I stop playing in the College and only practice at home (which would cut my practice by half or more) or do you people use a second chanter that you are not too worried about for practice?
I vented my frustrations to a friend and he said “the reason you have those thing is to play them, just play them where ever and whenever you get the chance” Easy for a flute-player I thought to myself!
Any thoughts would be great, I really want to mind these pipes as they are great, but I want to be able to practice so that I can progress and do them justice.
I think what you ought to do is have a reed built for you locally if you are going to be playing outside of the ‘home’ environment. I would also refrain from prolonged exposure to climate extremes… hot/cold and visa versa… they can really take a toll on your reeds.
Heat and piping is a terrible combination. Even worse is sudden changes in temperature. Constant expansion and contraction of wood will cause it to split or cause parts to get loose and fall off (ferrules, etc). You’ll spend more time rebinding and repairing your pipes than anything else. I suggest you stick to playing at home for the time being, even if it means you don’t get as much time it - in the long run you’ll save a lot of wear and tear on your pipes.
Once the summer comes you should be able to play outdoors, which will increase the amount of practice you do. Remember, never in direct sunlight. It’ll do terrible things to the wood on your chanter, drones, etc.
That it - no more advice for gold ring until he posts a few photos of his new pipes.
Promise to post pics as soon as my flatmate comes back from his trip abroad…he has his digital camera gone with him…tanx all