'D' Reed upper octave Sharp

Uilleann Pipes
1

Hello everybody,

I have a question about the upper octave in my newly made reeds, I’ve found the one’s I’ve made moderate to slightly (sharp 5 cents or so) in the reeds.

Now, I’ve tried to rush it but still remains sharp a wee bit, just wondering if I should retract the staple out a bit further to flatten it a bit.


Anyone of you pipemakers/reedmakers have a tip how to correct this annoying problem?

upiper71

2

Give it a go. But you also have to pay attention to where the staple inserts into the reed head. The taper of the staple, its thickness, eye, the amount and length that the tails are gouged, and the length/shape of the tails can have an influence here.

This would be a good time to take careful notes.

Eric

3

Thanks Eric,

Much appreciated! :slight_smile:

I also read somewhere that BC also has had some success in deliberating whether to gouge the tails of some of his reeds with suprising results apparently. Maybe I could try that too??

Thanks again..

upiper71

4

UP71, I sent you a PM, it may prove helpful. G’Luck!

5

I would exhaust the staple remedies before hacking at the reed head. But most importantly, you have a problem which lends itself to learning about the effect of adjustments. The care that you take now could save you countless hours later in life.


And although I recommend leaving the tails alone, I will say that I believe that thicker tails do open up the reed head more when the staple pries (sp?) them open. A thicker staple and more acute taper will exaggerate this effect.

Eric

6

Thanks Joseph. Much appreciated!!

upiper71

7

You’re welcome sir.

8

I suppose I should have pointed out that the customary remedy would be a staple with a smaller diameter. You may find that this flattens both octaves, with greater influence on the upper.

Eric

9

Thanks Eric.

I appreciate it, and I will try a smaller staple since I do have 4mm copper tubes kickin around somewhere, but I haven’t used it yet.

Again many thanks to both of you.

upiper71

10

Because tubing comes in standard sizes, the usual solution for altering the volume/length ratio is to roll your own from blanks. One millimeter is a big jump (if that’s what you are intending).

But I would point out that many reedmakers use tubing exclusively and manage by adjusting their reed design. Also the thickness of sheet metal (suitable for rolling) may be a bit thicker than your tubing and you have to bear this in mind (although it can be thinned by filing if need be).

In your case, with a reed head you intend to leave alone while you test the impact of different staple set-ups, rolling may be the ticket.

Eric