I have been busy with work, and haven’t played the chanter for a bit ( ) my playing has became a bit frayed on the edges.
But I think I also have another problem, my chanter doesn’t feel as responsive as it used to, and it feels a bit harder to blow, I have to squeeze the bag quite abit more, even with increased humidity. I am wondering if my chanter reed could possibly be on it’s way out? Or if the inside of the reed has warped?
I have no experience with reed making, so I’m nervous about taking it out, let alone taking it apart! I am considering getting reed making supplies…
If you are anything like me (and I know I am) then your reed is in “summer mode” that is, it has opened up after being closed down for much of the winter due to lack of humidity. Thus it is harder to blow. If it has a bridle, see if it is designed to safely aid in closing the lips. You can see if this is working by the narrowing of the “eye”(aperture formed by the reed lips).
I’m not sure about where the OP is located on the globe, but Cincinnati I experience Spring mode Fall mode Winter mode Summer mode and all of the in between modes with my reeds. Two years ago I bought a humidifier for winter and realized it was futile. It was recommended here that I try playing in the shower. Not in the shower but in the bathroom with the shower on for a bit. The humidity puts me back into Spring/ summer mode and for a bit things sound pretty good. With three girls in the house and only one shower my opportunity for this practice is limited. I’m glad no one got hurt Ennispiper.
) my playing has became a bit frayed on the edges.
I thankfully turned out okay, no lives were lost and there is no damage to report!