I have a double jointed thumb (left hand). It tires fairly easily…just this side of cramping when I play. Anyone else leave the factory with this kind of thumb?
When I first got my pipes, despite efforts to the contrary I would “hold” my chanter in much the same way a large dog “holds” a tennis ball. By the end of practice both thumbs would routinely be cramping/seizing/sprained/asleep/swollen. Over the months my hands have finally relaxed and it wasn’t until I saw your message that I remembered my earlier thumb woes. Not being of the double-jointed mold, however, I can’t speak on any issues particular to that product line…
BC
Hi Tommy,
Sounds to me like you might be having trouble with your bag necks length. Your thumb (left hand being your top hand yes?) may be overcompensating for your chanter not wanting to “stand up” on its own.
If you have a good pipemaker or if there’s a tionól coming up that you’d like to attend I’d suggest bringing this u with a maker, maybe try out other peoples pipes that are at the same playing level as you and see if your problem persists.
Gluck,
Patrick.