Hey all,
Just getting started with UP. Bought a Mid East practice with a dreadful plastic reed. If any of you have experience with reeding this kind of chanter with a real reed or can point me in the right direction (other than the trash, which I know is where some of you think this set belongs!), that would be a great help.
Thanks!
I believe Tim Britton has worked on these sets, you might want to check with him. It often involves more than just a reed to get them playing.
They make great wall decorations, I understand.
Did you miss reading the FAQ, FAQ, FAQ?
I’ve been reading lately about the dire situation of African Blackwood growth. These sets from Pakistan proudly advertise that they are made from “African Blackwood” as if that’s going to magically provide some measure of quality!
Of course that statement is made to part those familiar with the use of African Blackwood for GHBs with their money as they try to find the cheapest possible way to explore UPs. All that is being done with the making and purchase of such sets is to achieve an abject waste of a diminishing resource…and to provide people like our new friend WVJohnB with a valuable life lesson.
WVJohnB if it is not too late DEMAND a return of your money and put the cash toward the purchase of a good budget set!!!
Paul
P.S. Read the FAQs!!! 
P.P.S. I thought there was a previous posting that Mr. Britton is no longer trying to breathe life into these sets…
well look, WVJohnB asked an honest question;
my/our personal feelings aside about these ‘instruments’ 
…
I would say contact the manufacturer or seller once again + get them to ship some replacement cane, or plastic reeds to you.
it’s your only best possible bet. 
sorry.
Hi WVJohnB
You can try wrapping the plastic reed with teflon tape. Start on the thread and work up to around a quarter of an inch above the thread. This can improve the response of the plastic reeds - probably due to reducing leaks at the sides of the reed.
David
Try Allan Moller for an off the shelf reed. This link has his contact information.
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=47878&highlight=moller
However, I wouldn’t advise to you to spend too much time or money on this chanter. The advice to get your money back is worth a try.
I heard a set that was reworked (just by reeds only) by Cesar Pastor of Spain. Young guy, lots of time to tinker with reeds. I couldn’t believe the youtube file he sent me of the mid-east pipes, just with the reeds he was tinkering with. Send him a message on myspace, he probably still has the link somewhere.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=203163176
I have a few of these eastern made chanters and pieces (as well as my Dave Williams set). I was very impressed with what he can do.
Hope this helps.
Mike