I’ve been asked to play outside Paddle Out for a fellow surfer who suddenly passed. Its a memorial with one tune to be miked “Amazing Grace” tomorrow am.. . Temp will be 30 degrees breezy NW winds at 20…wind chill at about 10 degrees …Humidity as dry as desert’ … I have played in the cold but just wondering…this is real cold and dry…I think I’ll manage but could this do any damage on a permenant basis to the reed…I might just leave the Pipes and do this on whistle…??? 
Yes, the extreme dry and cold could cause the reed to collapse, from which it might or might not recover. I’d say you’re better off playing the whistle (one with a non-metal mouthpiece for that matter).
No E
Not to mention possible damage to the pipes themselves. If the temperature change is sudden (going from warm to cold and back again) I imagine there would be a risk that the wood might crack.
If you really need to play your pipes, i might try and find a penny chanter around. Those things hold up really well in adverse conditions. Just a thought.
Dan
wood can and does crack. If I remember correctly, you have a David Williams set. It would be foolish to take any risk with that thing.
Don’t do it. Reeds can be replace easily enough, your Williams’ pipes… nope.
I was playing in Dundee at a ceilidh at New Year then on a boat in the freezing cold at the bells; Edinburgh and Glasgows’ events were cancelled the weather was that bad. I managed to split my best borderpipe reed down the middle due to the sudden change in the conditions.
I’m always wary about playing bellows pipes in extreme weather and I wish I’d been more cautious at New Year. If they don’t mind what you play the tunes on and you are concerned about your pipes, play the whistle.
I think Amazing Grace…some reverb and feel on the tin whistle will just have to do…sometimes these things are better on whistle…I just needed the clear justification for leaving the pipes home. i just cant take the risk.
Thanks Folks the Pipe Gods Have spoken
Just remember not to lick the whistle if it gets really cold.
Seriously, though, I find my dexterity decreases somewhat if my fingers are even slightly cold, so wear gloves until you’re ready to play.
I double-dog dare ya!
get you a set of wool gloves with the fingers missing, play a whistle and leave them pipes at home 