I’m lately playing a naugahyde bag (yeah, I know it’s tacky) I made some time ago. One thing I notice about this bag is that the neck is quite thick - about 3" wide near the chanter stock, before it curves around - and does a much better job than my other bags of holding the chanter up; in fact the chanter just sits there now, leaving me free to just play the chanter instead of expending any strength making sure it doesn’t fall over.
I’m sold on this; it’s helping me play A LOT. Or perhaps it’s the thickness or stiffness of the material that matters? Does your chanter fall over when you take your hands off?
Does your chewing gum lose it’s flavor when you leave it on the bedpost overnight?
Also - Paddy Keenan, international recording star, says he likes to buy naugahide that’s been sitting in the shop window forever - the sunlight stiffens it up even more.
I’m always wrestling to keep the chanter in place. Sometimes I think the neck’s too long, but then, I’ve had other bags where the neck felt so short that my thumbs were sore all the time. I’ve never considered using Madam Nauga, Queen of de Nauga Hide. Do you really think its the bag material that makes the difference, or is it just that the neck length is set up just right for you?
You people sicken me! Do you have any idea how many naugas had to die just so you could play your antique vacuum cleaner..er..musical girdle..um..bagpipes!
A local supplier sells whatever naug you want for about $22 a yard, which in this case is 36" x 54", which is perfect for two pipe bags.
We made a bag years ago for a nutty local piper’s Lambe set out of a naug whose color is best described as “gold glitter in a sea of refried beans.”
