Reed Makers: Flat back D and staple size

Uilleann Pipes
1

I have read as much as I can about flat back D causes and remedies, so this question is specific to the staple and the back D. Will a staple that is too large cause the back D to be flat? I have a reed by an unknown maker that works perfectly in a Rogge D chanter, but the back D is quite flat.

On the “Heart of the Instrument” DVD, the staple measurements A. Rogge gives are 50mm long (about two inches) with an inner eye height of 1.2 mm. Would an inner eye height of (for example) 1.5mm make a difference large enough to flatten the back D?

2

In my experience, the size of the staple will have an impact on the tuning of the two octaves, but won’t necessarily flatten the back D. I will usually get a flat back D if I scrape too much off the bottom of the V.

3

Yes, it is quite likely that the more ‘open’ eye will cause the back D to be flat BUT… there are many other reasons why a reed produces a flat back D.

4

Problem is there nearly no influence from the staple that can’t be offset on the reed head…
And I can’t give you a single trick, supposed to fix this problem.
The whole head shape is implied, and one solution working on one head can have no effect on another one.
What is certain is that the backD is a very moving note, from one reed shape to another.
But there’s always a solution from the head…
Just keep seaching, it’ll for sure work one day or another !
You can take a look to:
-the lips thickness (on my own reeds, it seriously affects both D’s tuning)
-the apperture shape: the more it’s closing from the edges, the higher the BackD
-the scrape length, and how far the bridle is from the bottom end of it
-how deep is the staple sticked inside the head
Again: this is things that can be involved in this particular trouble ON MY OWN REEDS!
Not a general rule…

5

Hi Jack

On Andreas Rogge chanters you should have a tuning screw which you turn with Allen key to sharpen or flatten the high D note.

First to check tuning screw for back D if chanter has one.

What is the measurements for this unknown reed any photos of chanter and reed

This is the reed measurements I use for my Andreas Rogge D Chanter
Slip 110mm long by ½ = 55mm
Head width 12.7mm/½ inches
Tails 25mm long
Head 30mm long
Scrape 25mm long
Staple 48mm & 50mm long
Staple eye 1.2mm id
Staple in tails at 22mm
Overall length 81mm & 83mm
Sanding block 70mm
Gouge tails - tone chamber
Bridle placement above binding or beginning of scrape
Reed 1 use staple length 48mm = OAL 81mm
Reed 2 use staple length 50mm = OAL 83mm

Cheers

Ferg

6

Thanks to all who replied. Ferg— Thanks for the measurements. I hope to put in some reed time in the coming week or two to see what I can do.

7

Does your Rogge D Chanter have the the tuning screw at the back D which may be affecting your bank D beening flat. Yes or No.

Turn screw with Allen key out to sharpen and turn in to flatten note.

Can you measure the unknown reed and post on here later.

Cheers

Ferg

8

Hey Ferg— Yes it does have the screw, and yes, it was the first thing I looked at.