I have two of AlanBs reeds one has been in my chanter for about 5years playing away merrily the other in the box just in case.I noticed a split in the working one the other day and went to put the spare in when I noticed a split in that too?What to do thoughtest I??
I put PVA glue the white stuff (woodworkers glue)not too much, smoothed it down left it oer night,no sanding or footering about with them, and presto the reeds are back to their perfect state and bang on in tune.Provided that he split is airtight then its not a problem,after all their are 2 great splits
along the sides of the reed to start with!!!
For my money I think AlanB is probably one of the best reedmakers in the world nay the Universe(OK for a new reed Alan??)
Slan go foill
Liam
Brian, have a look in your private messages.
Trent
Brian, what I mean is… I think you have great potential as a piper and I would hate to see you loose interest in pipes over this reed/penny chanter dilema.
On 2003-01-24 14:58, Tony wrote:
Brian, what I mean is… I think you have great potential as a piper and I would hate to see you loose interest in pipes over this reed/penny chanter dilema.
I see what you mean Tony…no I don’t think I’ve outgrown anything just yet - but my patience wears thin. I’m trying to be cool about it and just chalk it up to my own inexperience, but from what I’ve heard, that’s only a part of the problem.
I’m sticking with it for now, but BUY it can be frustration somedays. I would really love a half set someday too, but unless David gets his keister in gear and develops the ones he’s been working on for years now, I may never be able to afford it.
Well see I guess…
Thanks for the encouragement though.
Bri~
Ny the way, it has been mentioned to me that the Fnat note isn’t used much in Irish music, but I have a handful of songs that Do use this very note. Not just a quick roll over it either. Most are slow airs, and it’s a very important and dramatic note that can’t be glossed over as such. That was part of my initial questioning. I’ve heard this note played on D sets before, and I’ve even played it on D sets before without so much as a squeak or squawk. Still curious as to why mine is so befuddled.
Oh Well.
Brian
Play an E and lift the chanter… is that close enough to your Fnat??
I find to play an F natural I need to finger an off the knee E. That is leave the little finger on while playing and E, off the knee!
Then pull the F# (middle) finger towards the index (pointing) finger by moving the fingers closer rather than bending it off the hole. There’s a lot more control on this note by moving the finger in this way rather than straightening it ala the C nat.
I find without the key I need to fine tune it this way. With a bit of practice it’s very effective!
Patrick.
[ This Message was edited by: Patrick D’Arcy on 2003-01-24 20:56 ]
Hi Brian- Just to let you know…neither of my penny chanters have the problem you describe. But-Dave’s reeds worked much better for me before he moved to Washington (as Ohio’s climate is just about identical to Southern Ontario).
Yeah, I must hand it to him for trying with the “one climate fits all” thing with his reeds. I simply don’t buy it now though. The thing I find interesting, is I have played sets from Gallagher, Quinn, Roberts, and heard sets from Rowesome (Leo), and Childress all played here in the Salt Lake area. None seemed to have the same issues I have with mine.
So my first thought is the reed has gone south. Second is the design of the chanter is lacking somewhere.
If it’s true the PC is a copy of a Quinn set, would it be worth talking to Benedict Koehler as he’s the reed maker for Quinn’s sets (as I understand it anyway)?
I know that uinn isn’t taking orders now due to a long backlog. Does anyone know how to reach Benedict or if he is willing to make reeds for stray chanters? 
B~
Yes-the PC is a copy of a Quinn chanter…I know that Dave x-rayed Quinn chanters to come up with the specific specs on which to base the PC.
Hi Janice, dropped you an email. Thanks.