Yes, there was some sarcasm in my writing…
Anyway, I tried some of the technical suggestions mentioned.
The U-shaped thing helped a bit, but made may bottom D extra-flat, so I neglected it. I then moved on to Lorenzo’s suggestion, and inserted an additional rush to the throught. This seemed to have a tripple positive effect:
That’s it, my hard bottom D is working, point. Thanks a million, Lorenzo!
It quitened the chanter, which is a real benefit, as my chanter has been too loud recently.
It flattened the whole scale, forcing me to push the bridle down a bit. Surprisingly enough, the even more quitened chanter, which is now much easier to play, still produces a good bottom D upon demand.
So, I think I will stay with you guys, one definitely benefits from your advices. Cheers!
You’re welcome, Roy Becker. I learned the same trick right here on C&F several years ago…so just passing it on. I had a tok reed that fluttered pretty bad on the low D, otherwise a great reed. Then found out my throat was too large for that reed. Found out Rowsome made even larger throats though. BK made me several other reeds that didn’t require rushing the throat at all, so that’s how I know it can also be cured in the reed design. I use to post this picture of a telephone wire bent back and forth to wedge into the throat. Someone fondly referred to it as an I.U.D.
Anyway it’s a great throat rush and the plastic coated wire doesn’t harm the bore. Experiment with different lengths. Mine worked fine at about 2 inches in length, maybe an inch and a half. Cut the looped tail off, you only need the wiggly section to wedge it in the throat.
Glad it mellowed out your chanter. Same experience here that you had. Good description.
