Only the Es out of tune

Uilleann Pipes
1

The note E (in both octaves) are terribly sharp on my chanter. I’ve tried adjusting the bridle, but without any success in turning the note in tune. In fact, it’s so sharp that the fingering X|XXX|XXXO|O actually works.

The problem is: As this fingering works to produce an in-tune E, should I learn using this fingering, or should I use the ordinary one (X|XXX|XXOO|X) and hope that the problem will be gone sometime? I’ve just started learning, and I’d hate to drill a bad fingering.

What can I do to fix the out-of-tune Es?

2

Hello. Tape will reach the desired effect, you can also try a roll of card fitting snug against the bore wall between the E & F note hole. This has more of an effect on the low E.

A Rush as well will help if it goes to just beyond the E hole, though it may have a detrimental effect on D (Flattening).

Try a bit of each.

There’s not much you can perform on the bridle/reed that will help the tuning of your Es if it’s chronic…

3

Don’t feel insulted by this question: are you playing the E off the knee or with the end of the chanter closed on the leg?

Closed on the leg XXX|XXOO|X should work
Off the knee you need XXX|XXOX|O

4

I am getting really confused now. On the knee two fingers off the chanter and off the knee pinkie down and one off would be X XXX XXO O and X XXX XX0 X respectively and the proper way to play E and e or am I confused by the way you guys wrote it?

5

Perhaps it is different between flat and concert chanters? I wouldn’t know.

6

Both right.
Ostekjeks’s notation didn’t include the LH thumb, but did include a place for the end of the chanter
Peter’s included the LH thumb but not the end of the chanter

To be clear, if not pedantic (for a right-handed piper):

LHThumb| LH1 LH2 LH3 | RH1 RH2 RH3 RH4 | End of chanter/Bell-note

Closed on the leg X|XXX|XXOO|X
Off the knee you need X|XXX|XXOX|O

Clear I hope

7

I’ve fixed the Xs and Os now.

Gosh, whistle fingerings are so much easier to write…

8

Well you’re the one that wanted to play the pipes! :laughing: :smiley: :astonished:

PD.

9

I can’t just give the pipes the finger - I’d need to give them eight of them! + a knee

10

… and two arms, sometimes even a shoulder… warm or cold. :smiley:

11

Welcome to the madness that is Uilleann pipes and its associated forums. What make is the chanter ?

Tape across the top of a tone hole that is playing sharp is the best advice - it is adjustable and not permanent. There are certain reedmakers out there that will attack the chanter and cut ‘u’ shaped notches with rasps to try and make their reeds suit it. Definately not recommended.

the finger - I’d need to give them eight of them!

And at the risk of being pedantic you actually need only seven fingers and a thumb - a second lower hand thumb is also useful for holding the chanter and operating the ‘c’ key if your chanter has one :smiley: