I have a new question about regulators, this time is about right hand.
Well, when you sit with the pipes and start to play, where is the right hand?, I want to saying, what notes, reference bass regulator, are below the hand. So, between B and C, or A and B…???
Can someone help me?
These are the problems for playing in Asturias, Spain, Where nobody play a set of uilleann pipe, je,je.
thanks.
Good question Punteru: where your bottom hand is in relation to the keys while playing is not as important as being able to hit the appropriate keys at the right time. You’d like to be able to reach all of the regulator keys, including the two lowest rows, without difficulty.
The bottom three rows on the tenor and baritone regulators should be in easy reach. You may have to work a bit to reach the C key on the tenor; adjusting your posture is usually the best way to hit it.
If it’s difficult to play a certain chord, you may need to alter your posture, or consider using a shoulder strap.
One useful trick I just picked up recently: with the bag deflated, position the bass regulator bar (assuming you have a straight bass regulator) in crook of your bag elbow, then inflate the bag. If your instrument is set up right for you, you should be able to reach the lowest keys without difficulty. If this doesn’t work, using a shoulder strap might help.
The only other option would be to take the instrument back to the pipemaker and get it set up for your dimensions.
Definitely use a shoulder strap. You can also expand your reach simply by swinging your right knee back and forth. This allows you to maintain the chanter’s position on your leg. Sometimes you may have to also pull your left shoulder back to hit the bottom keys. (All this assumes a right-handed player).