i dont know if it’s due to my David Daye reed, chanter, or if i put too much pressure on the bag but my C# often drop a half tone down when i play. It is the most difficult note on my chanter. I never see this complain on other message so i’m asking myself do i’m the only one to have this trouble. if you have some trick, let me know.
[ This Message was edited by: pipemaniac on 2003-02-06 07:59 ]
Maniac,
Your problem can be attributed to either chanter, reed or both. The simplest cure on the reed side is to either open the reed a very small amount to stiffen it or to trim a sliver from the lips of the reed (obviously think twice afore trimming it!)otherwise it’s tricky surgery on the reed. If it’s the chanter then back to the maker with it!!
And if you don’t read about problems you are experiencing, it doesn’t mean we don’t have them too…
Alan
I have a Daye PC as well, and this note is flatter than I’m used to. I think part of this is the difference in tuning of the uilleann chanter compared to say a whistle. It is normal to have the top two notes come off a little flatter in that respect as I understand it.
But it shouldn’t be half way to the next note down…I’ve had a lot of problems with my Daye reeds (he’s made me three now, and they’re all a bit off in one respect or another I think) but my climate is also quite dry, and that’s never good for the reeds of any maker.
I dunno if this helps at all, but keep playing and see if it improves with either time and/or practice.
Bri~
I think you described your own solution, “If I put too much pressure on the bag…”. I’ve seen several good chanters that will drop a C# or break a back D on excessive pressure. If the margin of error on the pressure is too small, i.e. even a small overpressure drops the notes, I agree, opening up the reed the smallest amount with the bridle may improve the situation.
Cheers,
Michael
Michael is right. It’s mostly in the pressure. I’ve had a Daye chanter for a little over a year now with little or no problems. If I squeeze too hard and the D or C# flatten, I correct it by moving the bridle up a bit. Check also the tightness of your blowpipe and bellows connections. Any leaking air could be making you squeeze too hard and overblowing the reed. One last bit:
Make sure the wooden cap on the brass pipe stock is tight by rapping it with a little teflon tape. Hope this helps.
Marc