The

Chanter/ReedCombo
Experiment 

     This page was created to give NEW players an idea of reed characteristics that effect the overall sound
           ***In no way is this a testimonial for any of the manufacturers involved and I make no purchase recommendations.***

 BY NO MEANS IS THIS A COMPLETE LIST OF PRODUCTS AND PLEASE UNDERSTAND,
THAT SOME OF THE PRODUCTS ARE NOT SETUP FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE
AS CHANTERS ARE DESIGNED TO OPERATE WITHIN A SPECIFIED
RANGE OF PITCH, WITH RECOMMENDED REEDS FOR THAT SPECIFIC CHANTER.


STAGE 1: CHANTERS VS TONE

Purpose: I created this page, in hopes of demonstating the differents effects of reed/chanter combinations

Description: In this Series of experiments, I will be using 6 proven chanters as the control factor,
                        and the variables will consist of 3 different reeds and 3 levels of pitch. This should
                        let you here each chanter at different pitch levels, using 3 different reeds and
                        eventually, you will hear each chanter at it's optimal performance.

 * The first stage (CHANTERS VS TONE) is to demonstrate all 6 chanters using the  same reed.
.
   This will let you here the chanter in it's raw state, and also compare the notes that are "off key", and by what degree.
   Theoretically,  I should get a different result from each chanter.

STAGE 1 METHOD  I will insert the same (medium Strength) reed into each chanter, and find a pitch
                                     that is reasonably balanced for that chanter. I will not make any attempt to fine tune the chanter.

                                    I will demonstrate with a good "TONE" tune such as "Meeting of the Waters". This tune demonstrates
                                    the whole range of the scale with an equal balance of both the top Hand, and Bottom hand notes.
                                    It also has some nice Harmony Notes to hang on to, in order for you to compare the tone.


* The second stage (FREQUENCY VS TONE) will demostrate the same reed in each chanter, set at 3 different frequencies.
* The last stage (REEDS VS TONE) will use 3 different reeds in each chanter , set at one pitch.

BE VERY AWARE  that your setup, will probably not produce the same results,  as every reed is different.

These results can be varified by PM Tom Robinsonof the 403 Wings Squadron Pipeband in Sarnia, Ontario. Tom is also a former Member of the 78th Fraser's Drum corp. and is a founding member of Celtic Offspring, of which he wrote and performed vocals and stringed intruments and is a Qualified Musician.

STAGE 1
CHANTER/REED
 GIBSON
1996		  GIBSON
1999		 CE KRON
1999		 SINCLAIR
1984		 SHEPHERD
1999		 NAILL
1981		 single phrase
SEQUENCE
DEMO SOUND
REED SHEPHERD SHEPHERD SHEPHERD SHEPHERD SHEPHERD CALDWELL
MODIFICATIONS NONE NONE NONE NONE TAPE ON G TAPE ON
F & HI-A

NOTE: SINGLE PHRASE SEQUENCE,  is a single phrase that is cut from each selection,
                                                                   and played back in the same order, so that you
                                                                   can the immediate differences in pitch.


COMMENTS:
I had to use a Caldwell Reed in the Naill, as this particular Shepherd Reed was totally unsuitable. I only put tape on the notes that required adjustment because they were far too sharp. (Beginners: Tape is a quick fix to Flatten Notes)
This Particular reed was flat in the Kron Chanter, and it also produced a flat Low-A and F thru out the Spectrum of chanters. These holes will need to be carved out to solve this problem with this reed, but only after I verify this with at least 2 other reeds.
(Beginners: Carving or scraping the top of the hole will sharpen that note)

This matrix will grow in the weeks to come. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions and ideas. We can discuss them on the Bagpipe News Group.(rec.music.makers.bagpipe). This should keep the group lively for a while.


DISCLAIMER
I cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for the consequences of the use of any information contained herein, or for any consequences of accessing any other page through these pages.


LAST UPDATED: FEB-8-1999

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If you want to email me, send mail to;
sunnybouy@hotmail.com

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