Along with my long awaited Rogge Chanter in B (cocobolo, nickel silver, art ivory) I got myself a new bellows as my old one started going into pieces. Well, it seems I cannot get a tune out of my set anymore without screwing every other note. Furthermore, I’m getting sore armpits within minutes! Seems like I have to unlearn all the unconscious movements and have to start all over again after 8 years of playing. Very frustrating. Anyone sharing this experience to give me some comfort? (I know, it will go away with practice. But nevertheless..)
Christian
You’re probably used to that leaky old bellows…a new, airtight instrument, especially with a flat chanter that’s pretty easygoing, might require you to lighten up on the bellows and focus more on playing the bag. Keep at it, you’ll get the hang of it quickly, just relax and be patient with yourself.
Christian…
I’m a little incredulous! I went back and listened to the Three Sea Captains and conclude that you’re advanced enough as a piper to know what’s going on! 
Maybe the internal volume of the new ones are smaller. Is the supply tube smaller anywhere? How about repairing the old bellows? Will you be gettin drones also for the Bs?
Well, I think I should put a new tune up to C&S in addition to those Captains… Well, Lorenzo, as a u-piper, is there a chance of EVER knowing what is going on? 
No, no drones in the near future. Maybe, someday when money allows, I will get myself a 3/4 set for the chanter.
Pat, thanks for your advice. The new bellows is bigger, the supply tube larger. So I do not run out of air at all, but I don’t get the air pressure right. Seems that I used to achieve part of the air pressure with the bellows, that leaky old bastard… As you said, Pat, success will come with practice.
Christian