Things seem to be going pretty smoothly and even after the “high” from this weekend with Mickey Dunne I am sort of stuck on my own with an assortment of tutorials with and without CD’s and/or VHS tapes. So far, all I can either read or watch about transitioning into the higher octave is just to add pressure to the bag? If I run up say the “G” scale through the back “D”, to high “E” and “F” things do okay, but going either to a high “G” and for sure high “A” most of the time things drop back down to the lower octave. This is a reed that was made by Mickey for his chanter and he was playing it before he gave it to me. I am totally new to this so can reeds change and/or need adjustment and if so what should be done? I play the GHB’s and know how we carefully sand and/or scrape certain areas to thin portions of the reed to ease things up.
He made me an extra reed that he said is not quite as good, but not having any reed making stuff yet I am leery of making any mods on either of these reeds. Could someone help me or explain to me what I am either doing wrong or need to do to make and sustain transitions into the higher octave?
From what you describe there’s nothing wrong with the reed. You can’t play 2nd octave A, B and higher by just giving more pressure. You need to learn a special technique called ‘pinching’.
To get second octave A (A’) you have to play either second octave F# (or G) very quickly (this is called leading off of F#) and while your F# fingers are open, play the A’ and then close the F# fingers. It’s the same principle for playing B’. Don’t worry about C’, C#’ and D’’ for the moment.
Practice pinching A’ from F# or G. It’ll take a while before you get the hang of it. Don’t get discouraged if you miss it once in a while - even experienced pipers miss it occasionally.
Wait now, the “pinching” technique is only required if you want those notes from a closed chanter. There should be no problem getting them if you’re “running up the scale.” If you octave is dropping it’s probably because you’re fingers are leaking, or you’re using too much pressure. Everybody goes through that stage. Just try to relax.
This is why I love this forum sooooooooooo… much, folks with mutual interests and passions for a similar subject freely, openly, and in a very respectful manner sharing their knowledge. Those of you that have posted here and privately contacted me has made all the difference. I am now getting these techniques down and more settled in. THANKS TO EVERYONE!
Isn’t it amazing how know what to do and how to do makes all the difference… My problem for a long time is that when get stuck on something my OCD takes over and can’t stand it until I get it figured out… I know…SICK…VERY SICK PUPPY… That’s me and I don’t care what those voices in my head are telling me…
My problem for a long time is that when get stuck on something my OCD takes over and can’t stand it until I get it figured out… I know…SICK…VERY SICK PUPPY… 
That’s me and I don’t care what those voices in my head are telling me… 
