Whoever recommended I slink down to the pond, steal a duck, and practice squeezing it under my arm until my practice set arrived was right! I’m no Schwarzenneger, but thought I was in pretty good shape. I’ve got raw skin on my right inner elbow, death grip on the chanter, and a lot of sore squeezing/pumping muscles! Wow!!! I play a bunch of intruments reasonably well, but this one is hard!!
Any comments or advice on practicing? How many months did it take to lose the death grip?
Bob, who’s feeling maybe he should have gotten in touch with his inner Welsh/Cherokee/Danish/Scottish blood instead.
How long it takes is very much up to you. Instead of trying to practise music, try practising playing scales softly/lightly until this becomes your habit. Deep breathly. Relax. Take a pill.
I would first go through your set and take care of leaks (check valves,connections, bag, bellows, chanter, chanter keys). A small leak can make a huge difference in your reed. I would then see about getting an easier reed. Your reed should play with very light pressure in both octaves. I don’t agree with “playing in a hard reed”. I went for six months with hard reeds because I didn’t know better. When I tried another set with an easy reed it was like a different instrument. A easy reed and an airtight set translates to relaxed playing. If I’m a lousy piper at least I won’t be a tired, lousy piper. Last but not least, learn to make your own reeds.
Wow!! What a difference a reed makes! I’ve switched chanters and can play this one with hardly any pressure. (Of course, I’m a lot stronger now too…) Thanks for the comments.
Last but not least, learn to make your own reeds.