I know drones of a set of pipes,which demand a lot of air. And i know other drones on another set of pipes which not demand a lot of air. What is the problem? Will the drones of the first set i told be easier to play if i change the reeds or is this a problem with the drones themselves? And what do you think about plastic drone reeds?
Drones should not require a lot of air to keep them playing. If your drones appear to consume huge amounts of air, you probably have air leaks in your joints or possibly even the mainstock. Make certain your set is airtight and fix any leaks you find before looking at your reeds. If it does turn out to be a reed problem, then contact your pipemaker for advice.
Plastic drone reeds are stable but I don't care for their sound - they're too loud and a plastic bass drone reed sounds like a long, wet fart. I prefer either cane or composite drone reeds. Composite reeds have a tongue made of wood or cane which is bound to a metal or plastic body. Composite reeds do not sound as nice as cane but they are more reliable, and they sound much better than plastic reeds.
If you are investigating leaks , try also the stopper in your main stock, i.e. the thingy that allows you to turn your drones on or off. My first set of drones allowed you to adjust the distance the stopper was from the main stock (inside) and if it was opened too much the difference in air required was massive.
For Uilleann Pipers
For Uilleann Pipers
I know drones of a set of pipes,which demand a lot of air. And i know other drones on another set of pipes which not demand a lot of air. What is the problem? Will the drones of the first set i told be easier to play if i change the reeds or is this a problem with the drones themselves? And what do you think about plastic drone reeds?
# Posted on May 8th 2006 by Gavolm
Re: For Uilleann Pipers
Drones should not require a lot of air to keep them playing. If your drones appear to consume huge amounts of air, you probably have air leaks in your joints or possibly even the mainstock. Make certain your set is airtight and fix any leaks you find before looking at your reeds. If it does turn out to be a reed problem, then contact your pipemaker for advice.
Plastic drone reeds are stable but I don't care for their sound - they're too loud and a plastic bass drone reed sounds like a long, wet fart. I prefer either cane or composite drone reeds. Composite reeds have a tongue made of wood or cane which is bound to a metal or plastic body. Composite reeds do not sound as nice as cane but they are more reliable, and they sound much better than plastic reeds.
# Posted on May 8th 2006 by Hanley
Re: For Uilleann Pipers
Out of interest, last weeks Ceili House on RTE featured a pipers ceilii band. The archive is available on demand.
# Posted on May 9th 2006 by geoffwright
Re: For Uilleann Pipers
If you are investigating leaks , try also the stopper in your main stock, i.e. the thingy that allows you to turn your drones on or off. My first set of drones allowed you to adjust the distance the stopper was from the main stock (inside) and if it was opened too much the difference in air required was massive.
# Posted on May 9th 2006 by Eamonn Croke