I’m in the process of considering getting another three keys fitted. I am sending my set back to the maker to get some much needed new reeds (I’ve had them for nearly three years, and the Queensland whether hasn’t been to kind to them).
At this point I’m embarking playing with other more (gasp) contemporary musicians. So I will probably need to fit keys to my chanter, G sharp, A sharp and Fn. The chanter being rather unique, I can half-hole most notes and get a third octave E/Esharp (Paddy K managed a third octave F# when he played it two years ago). The only thing is, is that I’m concerned that if I add keys, there might be the likely hood that tonal quality could be altered.
For those who have added keys later, what have your experiences been in that regard?
You like your chanter the way it is, then why risk it, would it not be better to get it re-reeded with your set and put the money that the fitting of keys would cost to getting a new keyed chanter.
Having the keys are great, especially when playing with others who are not restricted to “pipe friendly” keys/modes.
I’m sure that your pipemaker has placed keys many times before and knows what he’s doing! Have the discussion about tuning and intonation with him and let him tell you straight up!
When I had 3-4 keys added (by the maker) to a Gallagher D chanter I once owned, I didn’t notice any difference. I expected some, with the added tonehole chimneys, but there was none.
My experience is the same as illwinds. I sent my 2 keyed D chanter up to Brisbane for Adrian Jeffries to add the extra 2 keys and I didn’t notice any change to the chanter in terms of tone, tuning, etc. I’ll add that the missing keys did not have their tone holes pre-drilled. I know some makers do this and cover the holes until the keys are added to avoid any changes. I’m sure there is merit to this practice and some experienced pipe makers should add there comments to this thread to explain better.
