# Which Bass Regulator do you like? **URL:** \ **Category:** Uilleann Pipes\ **Created:** [February 27, 2005, 5:18pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984 "2005-02-27T17:18:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ed\_Harrison](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/ed_harrison/32/928_2.png) [@Ed\_Harrison](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/Ed_Harrison)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2005, 5:18pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/1 "2005-02-27T17:18:50Z")
More people are playing regulators these days and I would like to know on the bass regulator which do you prefer and what are the advantages / your opinions of these two types? Straight Bar - that goes across your arm. U-Bend - that turns back over the main stock. Thanks for your information … Ed ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Smith](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/joseph_e_smith/32/649_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Smith](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/Joseph_E_Smith)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2005, 5:24pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/2 "2005-02-27T17:24:18Z")
I like the bar as it helps keep the mainstock up making reaching the regs an easier thing to do. I’m not a slender fellow. Also, there’s something about the look of the non U-bend bass reg that appeals to me… perhaps it is that ‘old-timey’ look. ---
**Author:** ![Antaine](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/antaine/32/399_2.png) [@Antaine](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/Antaine)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2005, 9:41pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/3 "2005-02-27T21:41:20Z")
ditto on both counts ---
**Author:** ![brianc](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/brianc/32/181_2.png) [@brianc](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/brianc)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2005, 9:49pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/4 "2005-02-27T21:49:53Z")
I have played full sets with both types… the first set had the bass regulator with no bend in it. When I began playing the 2nd set (which is the only set I now play), it had the U-bend. Right away, I didn’t think I’d like it, but it wasn’t long before I prefered the U-bend. The reason is that I found that my left arm would often pull in against the straight regulator, thus shifting the entire set and regs out away from me at an odd angle. I didn’t realize this was a problem, however, until I began to play the regs, then I found that they were way out of position and that made it difficult even to tap any of the keys. My preference is the U-bend style. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Smith](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/joseph_e_smith/32/649_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Smith](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/Joseph_E_Smith)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2005, 10:13pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/5 "2005-02-27T22:13:50Z")
I suppose another advandage the U-bend has is the fact you do not have to break it down (the bass reg reed cap) to fit it in a case. Sure, for the old style bass reg, you could always get a larger case, but who wants to lug something that size around for any length of time? ---
**Author:** ![MikeyLikesIt](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/9de053/32.png) [@MikeyLikesIt](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/MikeyLikesIt)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2005, 10:23pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/6 "2005-02-27T22:23:03Z")
I agree, if I had a full set I’d prefer to have the bend. The straight bar feels to me like it’s in the way. ---
**Author:** ![rorybbellows](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/rorybbellows/32/586_2.png) [@rorybbellows](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/rorybbellows)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2005, 10:41pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/7 "2005-02-27T22:41:53Z")
I like the straight bass reg as it gives you somewhere to hang your coat as your playing RORY ---
**Author:** ![ausdag](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/ausdag/32/769_2.png) [@ausdag](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/ausdag)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2005, 10:51pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/8 "2005-02-27T22:51:06Z")
> [@rorybbellows](#): > > I like the straight bass reg as it gives you somewhere to hang your coat as your playing > > RORY Plus you could solder a drink holder and ash tray to it too. And a DVD player for that matter - one of the automoblie ones. 😃 Cheers, DavidG ---
**Author:** ![Kevin\_L\_Rietmann](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/kevin_l_rietmann/32/3125_2.png) [@Kevin\_L\_Rietmann](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/Kevin_L_Rietmann)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2005, 3:23am UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/9 "2005-02-28T03:23:15Z")
Hey ya Ed! Lovely tapes you sent me. I’ve had both types of set, it doesn’t make two fecks worth of difference really, you can get used to most anything, but the straight bar shouldn’t be too bulky or set too low, or you’ll pinch your arm as you play. The curved variety is cool and compact but it should properly be made all out of metal, which isin’t easy to do. I’ve an old set with the wrap-around variety and I was always having to re-seal the outside to prevent leaks, since it was just a bent tube sticking straight into the wood. ---
**Author:** ![elbogo](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/elbogo/32/256_2.png) [@elbogo](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/elbogo)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2005, 6:07am UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/10 "2005-02-28T06:07:07Z")
Don’t think I’ve ever seen a set with a curved bass regulator. Pictures anyone? How makes these? ---
**Author:** ![Tony](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/ee7513/32.png) [@Tony](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/Tony)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2005, 8:18am UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/11 "2005-02-28T08:18:15Z")
Maze has a Childress set with the ‘Taylor Style’ bass regulator… Follow the links for some awesome pictures: [http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?p=320728&highlight=&sid=7d68740c6ef7da1f33051233d2b5ee92#320728](http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?p=320728&highlight=&sid=7d68740c6ef7da1f33051233d2b5ee92#320728) [http://web.dcp.ufl.edu/maze/pub/pipeimages/Childress/](http://web.dcp.ufl.edu/maze/pub/pipeimages/Childress/) Gallagher does them that way too! [http://www.uilleann.com/images/ivoryfull.jpg](http://www.uilleann.com/images/ivoryfull.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Hans-Joerg](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/hans-joerg/32/720_2.png) [@Hans-Joerg](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/Hans-Joerg)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2005, 3:33pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/12 "2005-02-28T15:33:29Z")
ausdag wrote: Plus you could solder a drink holder and ash tray to it too. And a DVD player for that matter - one of the automoblie ones. 😃 Plus a bayonet-holder against lefthanded fiddlers in crowdy sessions. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![maze](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/maze/32/333_2.png) [@maze](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/maze)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2005, 5:19pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/13 "2005-02-28T17:19:28Z")
As I have offered on this lovely of lovely forums, I prefer the U-bend Ed… how’s it going up there by the way? My first set had a straight bass reg… and being of stocky stock meself, i found it tricky once I was at the level where I could play the regs to actually play them… on the plus side, it kept me from playing them to the relief of sessioners up in VA, plus it forced me to stay on the chanter soley for a lot longer… My second set I had made with a U-bend… then when BC wanted to redo it because he came up with a better (MUCH BETTER) design, I had him do it to the first set as well. It honestly makes all the difference in the world. So, Ed I would suggest trying a few different designs and see which feels better on you. Not every design feels best for everyone I find… for example, the nicest of Froment sets do not feel that great on me… and I doubt anyone including myself would question their magnificance. Glad you guys like my images. I have a lot more now, and will try to remember to update them in the maze/pub. ---
**Author:** ![Patrick\_Darcy](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/patrick_darcy/32/99_2.png) [@Patrick\_Darcy](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/Patrick_Darcy)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 12:57am UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/14 "2005-03-01T00:57:01Z")
I’m no bender… keep it straight for me please 😲 PD. ---
**Author:** ![maze](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/maze/32/333_2.png) [@maze](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/maze)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 1:05am UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/15 "2005-03-01T01:05:17Z")
it is rare to hear such bending bigotry in southern cali… when I lived there for years, bending was the way to go… not i hear this straight snobbery… is it bendophobia i sense Patrick? ---
**Author:** ![Patrick\_Darcy](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/patrick_darcy/32/99_2.png) [@Patrick\_Darcy](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/Patrick_Darcy)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 1:13am UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/16 "2005-03-01T01:13:28Z")
They are too square on the lap those benders… you need a nice straght bar to keep things exciting ![:boggle:](https://s3.pfaffmanager.com/sites/chiffandfipple/original/2X/0/0287f377b0e103e172422ffbbe8c639fd3e12c9e.gif "boggle")😆 PD. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Smith](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/joseph_e_smith/32/649_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Smith](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/Joseph_E_Smith)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 1:13am UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/17 "2005-03-01T01:13:53Z")
> [@Patrick D'Arcy](#): > > I’m no bender… keep it straight for me please 😲 > > PD. …ummmm…er…uh… oh, nevermind. 😆 ---
**Author:** ![elbogo](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/elbogo/32/256_2.png) [@elbogo](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/elbogo)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 2:37am UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/18 "2005-03-01T02:37:02Z")
Thanks for the links, Tony! Interesting turn of affairs, or rather “bend…” ---
**Author:** ![Chris\_Bayley](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/838e76/32.png) [@Chris\_Bayley](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/Chris_Bayley)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 4:18pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/19 "2005-03-01T16:18:38Z")
The obvious answer is a compromise like this contra bass regulator on a set by Egan and Colgan - suits both ‘camps’ as it is both straight and also bent ![](http://www.bagpipeworld.co.uk/Gallery/Photos/EganCol1.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![PJ1](https://chiffandfipplewww.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.chiffandfipple.com/pj1/32/911_2.png) [@PJ1](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/u/PJ1)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2005, 4:23pm UTC](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984/20 "2005-03-01T16:23:16Z")
The 1973 Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty bans the playing of that regulator. [Next page](https://www.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-bass-regulator-do-you-like/25984.md?page=2)