I’m new to the upipes. Do you season the upipe bag like the GHB bag?
I’ve been using glycerine & honey on my GHB for past 15 years worked fine. Wanted to confirm with the list first.
Merry Christmas
Nolla Shona Duit
Wow, honey huh? I have always heard not to use honey to season a highland pipe bag. I used the seasoning that came in the can that may be purchased at most pipe stores. Not really a problem now that most bags are made out of gortex though! (Sorry, can’t comment on the uilleann pipes)
Hey UpiperBob!
No seasoning is required for bellows-blown pipes like the uilleanns (thank God). I myself moved to GoreTex on the highlands several years ago and never looked back!
The main reason for needing to season is to help the leather deal with all that moisture from your breath.
Just think, if you lose a reed in the bag, it won’t be covered with hooey!
And I mean hooey, not honey. 
Stuart
[quote]
No seasoning is required for bellows-blown pipes like the uilleanns (thank God). I myself moved to GoreTex on the highlands several years ago and never looked back!
[quote]
No seasoning is required for bellows-blown pipes like the uilleanns (thank God). I myself moved to GoreTex on the highlands several years ago and never looked back!
statement 99% correct. it seems to depend on who made the bag and when they made it. in one of the Lowland and Border Pipe Society Publications (also dealing with bellows blown pipes) they deal extensively with the topic of seasoning.
it turns out that even for bellows blown pipes, seasoning may occasionally be required. when needed, this is done by the maker and may not need to be redone for years if ever. however, an old bag may require this. so, the question becomes: who made your bag and how old is it?
meir
Unless you have a leak, leave it alone. If it’s not ‘broken’ then don’t ‘fix’ it.
There are so many variances in leather and fabrication techniques, I would say, it’s best to consult your pipemaker for a good recipe to cure any leaking problems.
A mixture of beeswax and neatsfoot (sometimes spelled neetsfoot) seems to be the most popular seasoning ingredients.
A source for neatsfoot:
http://www.mrboots.com/general_store/itemkiwi-nfo.html
a source for beeswax:
http://www.beeswaxco.com/
Seasoning will be required for leather bags from timme to time.It can be easily done yourself.R.G.Hardie Airtight Seasoning is as good as any.How often depends on how old the bag is and how often you use it.2/3 years hard wear should be the norm from one application.
Sóna Nollaig
Liam