F# flat in both octaves

Uilleann Pipes
1

Hi,

I have a Rowsome-derived chanter that has been stretched out to reach 440Hz, it is one of the new Rogge ones. It plays perfectly and effortlessly in tune up to high d. Only issue is a pressure-sensitive F#: both low and high F#s are flat when playing with the typical pressure I play the other notes with. Second F# can be squeezed into tune easily which isn’t a problem, but when squeezing low F#, it becomes even flatter. I have to play it with very low pressure, practically I’m releasing almost the entire pressure on the bag and the drones sometimes even stop. As I wrote, all other notes and general playing performance are perfect.

Could this be a reed issue, or might the F# hole need enlargement or undercutting? I already inquired with Andreas, but I’d like some more opinions.

Thanks,
Gabriel

2

Have you tried alternative fingerings for F#?

On one of my chanters, I find that opening the F# and E holes gives me a nicer F#.

3

Flat relative to an electronic tuner set to equal temperament or flat relative to just intonation?

4

Flat to my ear and the drones, it just doesn’t sound right.

I experimented with alternate fingerings yesterday and lifting the ring finger reduced the problem a wee bit, but it is still there and easily noticeable. It doesn’t matter too much when playing dance music, but for slower stuff it is a bit annoying…