Hello everyone,
I am a newbie but, generally, not struggling. One problem I am having that may not be directly related to the amount of time spent on quality practice is related to my second octave E. I play a Gallagher C half-set. I am making my own reeds (which work!!!). The second octave E is the hardest note for me to obtain. I have to apply more bag/bellow pressure to achieve a clear and in tune note for the E than I do for any other note on the second octave. I am wondering if there is a particular aspect of reed construction (shape, thickness, staple, etc…) which may be causing this problem. Any reply is appreciated. Thanks.
My experience of Seth’s chanters is that the 2nd 8ve E is a good indicator of the reed openness (I think Seth mentions this on his website).
If the note is flat and takes a lot of pressure, the reed is a little too open. If the reed is too closed, the E will be sharp. I find that the right reed adjustment leaves the E a little flat - maybe 10 cents - but the pressure adjustment needed to bring in tune is minimal. The reed adjustments required are small.
Also if you have thinned the edge of the scrape too much toward the bottom of the V that can flatten the E.
Thanks Simon. The info on the scrape may be the issue. I had noticed that the profile of this reed did look a little low at the base of the scrape. It is also helpful to get feedback from other pipers on the peculiarities of specific chanters with regard to reeding issues.
On that note thank you for the PM Jose.
James
seth has never had issues w/2nd oct E on his C gear.
Back d to E should not take much of a noticeable pressure change much less a big change.
I commend you on making your own reeds. Keep in mind a working reed may or may not equate to a good reed player. Not having your reed here, but judging by your description of the issue; try and have your work looked at by an experienced reed maker. He/she could then figure out your issue + give you feedback that could cut yrs. off your development as a reed maker.
Keep gougin’!
I think you are confusing the tuning behavior I described with the issue affecting some of his older D chanters where E can growl. I don’t think the C’s have this problem - mine doesn’t.
My C Gallagher chanter exhibits the same tuning behavior with the 2nd 8ve E as the concert chanter, as I described, except less pronounced.