Chanter - technical question

[Pyper]

Thank to all.

I was googling a bit end I'm pretty sure the reed is prone to oscillate on certain frequency (440-480Hz) and this can be shifted a bit with the chanter.

I'm not sure if this helps, but, for a given chanter, it will play in tune in a 20Hz or so range, depending on the reed. Some are wanting to play a lot sharper than others.

For any given reed, at any given time, in any given chanter, there will be one particular frequency that will work best (provide the most in tune notes).

Reeds can be made to pitch at higher or lower frequencies by moving them in or out and taping the sharp notes. This is what we do in the band. If one piper is flat, then we push his reed in. If a piper is sharp, then we back the reed out.

[flyrod6057]

In addition to the technical side of chanter characteristics and performance, there's another factor to consider:

The Pipe Major's "Black Magic!"

Also...chanters are all individuals, and they're temperamental sometimes. Sometimes they just do what they want... (At least that's the way of it with my chanters...)

[Pyper]

Also...chanters are all individuals, and they're temperamental sometimes. Sometimes they just do what they want... (At least that's the way of it with my chanters...)

My McC2 chanter is not temperamental at all.

The reeds, on the other hand

But usually I only have difficulty if I go to play in some radically different environment. Or if I haven't been practicing...

[flyrod6057]

My McC2 chanter is not temperamental at all.

The reeds, on the other hand

But usually I only have difficulty if I go to play in some radically different environment. Or if I haven't been practicing...

Agreed! On all points!

[highland mafia]

yeah gotta agree. Don't really think theres really any black magic. You sink it it sharpens, raise it flattens, tape it the note flattens, open it gets harder, pinch it gets easier, wet it sharpens.. I guess its knowledge as to what do when. And training your ear to whats flat and whats sharp.. Our band wants people to learn certain things and teams people up with the ones who know stuff. Last year I was made drone guy. And loved it. This year Im learning chanters and I've been teamed up with a "mentor" He goes off to tune, I go with him. A practice, trial and error. And Im starting to get it.

[ohiopiper]

Agreed with what's been said. The reed to the holes, not the reed to the bottom of the bell or sole is what's important.

A lot of people forget about the tone holes and assume it's the bottom that gets you a low G.