My reed in my Daye Pennychanter is playing really well,but…
The Back D is just not there, dropping with pressure and just a little squeak of a note. Have tried (I think) everything. loosing the bridle, adjusting it, tightening it, I just don’t seem to get that sweet spot again. It’s a wonderful reed and I want it back in working order. Any suggestions and hints…in what to do with the reed I mean.
Cheers, Robert
Have you checked that the sides of the reed are not leaking. Sometimes adjusting the bridle can affect the edges of the reed blades sealing properly. A bit of beeswax rubbed on the sides of the reed can act as a sealant if this is the case.
Also carefully inserting a piece of paper between the reed lips and drawing it through whilst pressing the lips together can remove stuff that has accumulated over the years. Sometimes just a speck or grain is enough to affect the reed. I once found a small fragment of a feather (sucked in from the bellows elbow pad) stuck in the reed.