Cane Drone Reeds
Cane Drone Reeds are the original and very first drone reeds to be used in the Great Highland Bagpipe.
All three reeds are made from a tube of Spanish Cane which is perfect for bagpipe drone reed manufacture. Each reed has a hand tied bridle and a sealing wax end.
Fitting & Set Up Instructions
First check each drone reed by mouth to see if they make any sound.
IF THE REEDS DO MAKE A SOUND. Adjust the hemp so they fit securely into the reed seats. Adjust the bridle slightly to fine up the reed or open it up. This will ensure that you get the correct strength setting to suit your bagpipe strength. Be sure to always test the strength of the drone whilst the pipe chanter is also being played. Play the reed in the drone for a couple of sessions until it settles into the atmosphere of the bagpipe it is being played in. If the reed is set to the required strength and the tuning pin is not tuning in the desired position then the reed will have to be adjusted in its seat. In some makes of drones, the reeds may have to be cut shorter at the reed seat end to make a final adjustment to get the desired tuning position.
IF THE REEDS DO NOT MAKE A SOUND. The tongue will require some manipulation to get it to sound. Move the bridle towards the reed seat end to check if the bridle is too tight and is stopping the reed from sounding. If this is not the case and the reed is still not sounding, then the curvature of the tongue will have to be adjusted. This can be accomplished by springing and/or bending the tongue slightly to break the resistance in the cane and nurture a curve into the tongue. Gently massage the tongue to in an upwards motion whilst still maintaining some downward pressure with one finger. This can be done by lifting the tongue slightly away from the body with the middle finger and thumb whilst using the index finger to press down at the point where the curvature is required. Follow the instructions above if the reed sounds.
A human head hair can be used under the tongue down at the bridle to assist it in staying slightly in the open position.
Remember that Cane Drone Reeds have to be manipulated to get them operating effectively and that, like pipe chanter reeds, they are temperamental and sometimes not every reed is usuable.
With this in mind it is always recommeneded to purchase a few sets of reeds at a time to ensure a greater posibility of success. Even then its not always guaranteed that the reed will end up being in for a long period of time.
Cane Drone Reeds operate more effectively and successfully in a moisture active environment.
When set up correctly and working efficiently in a suitable environment, Cane Drone Reeds produce the ultimate bagpipe drone sound.
To Order Now:- sales@lyonsbagpipes.com
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