what usually goes first when the reed wintertime blues set in (USA Northeast) ?? are there particular notes that will become very difficult? or will the whole reed just play poorly?
thanks
meir
I find that wintertime dryness (central air heat, etc) tends to affect the upper E note first. As I understand it, this note depends on the upper part of the scrape in the V which is the thickest part and which is first to lose it’s flexibility…making the upper E note sound a little cranky. When it rains or gets humid inside I fine this note also comes back nicely. The reed will close up and the pitch of the entire chanter might go a little sharp (chanter wood is affected too, compounding the problem), the upper octave might not be as responsive, the back D might sharpen a little and the bottom D lose it’s hardness. If it gets too dry, or hot, the whole reed is so much less responsive it just isn’t a good time overall. I keep my pipes in a 2nd master bedroom at the other end of the house which is cooler, and is where I shower… keeping the humidity nice. The reeds this winter have been responding good, so far.
I’ve noticed that my Cnat has gotten very wonky of late and it coincided with the weather change. I finally broke down and pulled out the old humidifier.
Jeff
For me, the back d weakens, followed by the dreaded “autocran” on bottom d.
No E
I notice it when the reed starts sounding dull, and I have to open it wider and wider until it starts getting all out of tune. By this point, no amount of frigging around will please it, and I must consider it pooched till spring. Time for a winter reed.
djm