Advice from pipers

[beloitpiper]

What strength and maker is it? I'd say don't touch it. It's not easy when you first get on the full pipes. Really, it just takes time to break it in. If you're still having issues after a few months, then shave or chisel it, but I'm afraid you're just going to have to bear it.

[Macman]

What strength and maker is it? I'd say don't touch it. It's not easy when you first get on the full pipes. Really, it just takes time to break it in. If you're still having issues after a few months, then shave or chisel it, but I'm afraid you're just going to have to bear it.

I'd add that another way to get the chanter going when you're first on the full pipes is to cork the drones. Then, as your strength and technique grow, you can uncork one by one and then, voila!

[davidlpope]

I've had good luck ordering Duncan Soutar "easy" reeds. Some (Shepherds) seem to be harder than others. You also need to make sure that you don't have leaks in your bag, tuning slides, etc. What brand of pipes do you play?

As some of the other folks have mentioned, though, if you're having this issue you should talk to your teacher. If you're "going it alone" you run a real risk of learning how to be a very poor piper and having headache after headache on some of the simplest things. Not trying to be negative here, just trying to share some hard-won experience.

Cordially,

David

[Brother Falldown]

If you've got an instructor ask. If not, try Chris Apps. He has a very informative web site on reeds which includes a nice little video on shaving a chanter reed. You might also consider ordering a reed from Chris. He will custom build one for you which will use as little as 18lbs pressure (VERY easy). Cost about $18 US.