Question about rushes

Teri-K · Post by **Teri-K** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 8:22 am

My chanter doesn't play in tune unless I use 2 rushes. Is this due to the chanter or the reed? If I need to modify my reed, so be it, but I surely don't want to unless it's needed. I've tried different bridle configurations and it doesn't change the tuning all that much. Thanks for the help.

Teri

Cayden · Post by **Cayden** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 9:05 am

Could you specify tuning problems: specific notes ocatves etc.?

Teri-K · Post by **Teri-K** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 9:27 am

Thanks for the response Peter. The second octave is flat, especially when comparing the "D's". As I go up the scale, the flattening of the notes is noticeable. Once into the second octave it gets worse. As long as I keep the rushes in, the chanter plays spot on.

Teri

Cayden · Post by **Cayden** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 10:39 am

Are you sure now? Rushes narrow the bore, flattening the notes they are under.

As for D to D', try inserting the reed slightly more into the throat of the chanter, this should, theoretically, sharpen the top hand notes.

Flat octave has to do with diameter of the staple, i.e. the reed and chanter are not a perfect match.

As far as I can tell from where I am sitting that is.

Brian Lee · Post by **Brian Lee** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 10:48 am

Hey Teri!

What make of pipes are you playing dear?

B~

Teri-K · Post by **Teri-K** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 11:55 am

Peter: I've removed the rushes and seated the reed as far as it will go and it sounds much better. Still needs a bit of tweaking, but much improved. I was following suggested set up, but didn't take in to account that my chanter is blackwood and not the penny chanter. Thanks

Brian: I'm playing a David Daye

Teri

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 2:27 pm

Teri,
David Daye is pretty scientific with tweaking chanters... especially his own. Send him an e-mail and he will give you specific reed instruction for that chanter.