Chanter Read Problem

Uilleann Pipes
1

Hi Everyone

Well my chanter read I think could well be past its used by date. The problem is my maker (who shall remain nameless) is no longer answering calls or taking orders. Or has changed his number and has not contacted his prior clients about this. His email has also been disconnected. In otherwords I’m stranded.

Another maker in Australia seems to have done the same thing and is not answering phone calls or emails. I have rung each number listed on NPU and in the Telstra phone-book and the numbers must have been dissconected months ago. If this is the case Australia might have lost its pipe-maker industry. So where too from here? Go oversease, that is problematic in itself, as Australian customs are extreamly strict about the importation of foreign goods. Especially flora and fauna bi-products, which bagpipes are made from, to some extent.

My issues is not with the set itself rather; I think I need a new read. Basically what happenes is it doesnt matter how much I sharpen or flatten the read it allways sounds flat and notes seem to be sinking everywhere. I don’t have the knowledge, expertise or time to invest in aquiring the knowledge of reedmaking (at present). The final year of schooling is busy and my piping has been placed on the back-burner at present.

Would somebody in the Australian piping community (or over seas pipe making community) be able to give me a hand. I’m finding it really difficult to source any reads or read-making equipment.

Cheers L42B
PS: If you can help please PM me.

2

Why don´t you contact Davy Stephenson? He is an excellent pipe and reedmaker, and he sells the equipment to make your own reeds.
Here´s the link where you´ll find the recipe and explanation for making reeds http://bagpipeworks.co.uk/making_reeds.htm
Go for it!!!

3

Hi L42B,

You’ll have no problems whatsoever in bringing cane into Australia. Best thing to do is get a reedmaking kit together and learn to make them yourself. I’ve imported cane from Medir in Spain and brought bamboo products in to Australia, even with little spider webs inside, which the customs officer saw, but passed. So have a go.

Cheers,

DavidG

4

Hi Ausdag,

Good to hear from you again…long time no see ai? I have a few suggestions that I will look into and try some (gasps nervously) reed maintenance when I have the time. Who has made your reeds in the past. Currently I have a few reed blades that Paddy Keenan gave me at a workshop. I wonder if its worth a try assembling them; basically its just the cane blade held together via a bridle. What other equipment do I need to purchase to make the reed?

Cheers L42B :slight_smile:
PS: The information could be usefull, so post it here on the forum.