@@KyleBantaMusic I really struggle getting the drone reads right What's the proper amount of air. This video is so helpful I'm just going to rewatch it until I get it right on my pipes. If I bring the bridle down too much and not allow too much air through then I feel like I can't even blow into the pipes. If I put them higher the drones sound so sharp.
@@kfossi1986 What brand of drone reeds are you using? Some brands are more sensitive than others when adjusting bridles and tuning pieces. Factoring in that your pipe bag is air efficient, your drone reeds should just require a bit of adjustment to make them more playable. If the drones come in with a big more pressure, they are taking just a little too much air. You will also want to adjust the pitch of the reed if it is tuning too high o the pin. Check your drone reed paper or search it on the web.
Informative but - If you're ready to stop guessing buy and learn to use a pressure gauge. Easy medium is around 22-25" w.c. If your chanter reed is playing there set your drones to cut out around 26-28" w.c. and reed strength should be good to go. Set the drones where you want them then tune the reed to fit the drone. Typically 476hz and matched to the chanter. 466hz if you are running b-flat. Bagpipe and reed makers use these numbers. Why don't you? 60+ years and trained in Scotland - in case you're wondering. I doctor and restore bagpipes.
I've never used a pressure gauge in my life. I dont know if they were around when I learned in the 90s/2000s. If they were, it wasnt mentioned to me. I learned by ear. 476 isnt bad to start; however, 480 is more preferable nowadays.
@@KyleBantaMusic 60 plus years for me and multiple bagpipes at once. I solve problems for others and visual aids are helpful. I measure everything and promote lower pitch. Mostly I play at 466hz and always solo. Not a fan of todays' high pitch. I often play old bagpipes where they were made to play.
@@KyleBantaMusic That has been going on in band competition for a long time and it's a trend I don't care for. I competed in G-1 in the early 60's on a 50's set of Sinclair's with original abw chanter. That was the one back then and I still have it today. I cut my teeth on the old pitch and I'm glad to see 466hz/bflat making a comeback, Thanks for what you do. These days I'm just a retired guy that still plays a few chunes and remembers a few things. Cheers!
Hi, thank you for the time you spend in making these helpful videos. This morning I got a problem: I strike in, tune the bass to the middle (chanter and outside tenor corked off, I am still learning) and After that I cannot strike in any more, I mean, the bass tenor strikes in with a much sharper sound that does not change. I can strike in only if I slide down the bass tenor tuning pin, and hence putting It out of tune again. Last time I did not have this problem. I have checked air tightness and everything related Do you have any suggestion? If atfer striking in with the bass sounding much sharper I shut it off and open it again, it makes the correct sound
Cheers, it's a delight to know that my videos help people out. I'm going to assume to that the reeds are properly seated in the drones. I suggest tuning the outside tenor to the bass first, then tune the middle/inside tenor to the outside tenor and bass. There's a good chance that your tenor is too high on the tuning pin for the bass to compensate. If my bass is too high and I strike in, it will often double-tone as the air pressure is not enough to get the bass to strike in properly. Try lowering the bass so you fit 2 fingers between the ferrule and the bass drone middle (you might need to adjust the reed pitch) then tune the outside tenor, then the middle tenor (again, the reed pitches may need to be adjusted). Let me know if this works :)
Thank you so much for your replay. While waiting for your answer, I had to lower an inch the upper part of the bass drone from the default position (first raw of hemping showing), set the middle bass drone two finger from the projecting mount and tune the middle drone to the bass. This way it worked. Is this admissible in your opinion? I am going to try your way too. THX!
Sounds like you are on the right track. You should only see a bit of hemp on the top tuning pin of the bass drone. Yes, 2 fingers between the middle part and the ferrule gives you the optimal (best) tuning range.
I've bought my first set of GHB's, and have never had the opportunity to try and strike in. As soon as I get the bag about 1/2 full, the drones just start to make a dull whine and deflate. I haven't been able to stand there, inflated bag, waiting for my chance to start making sound on the instrument. I've overpressured the reeds and caused them to shut down, but then there's no striking in. There is no one where I live to rely on for help in setting these things up, either. What would you suggest?
Im sorry to hear you are having trouble. If the reeds are making a sound with the bag 1/2 full, that seems quite early for them to sound. That tells me that they are too closed and need to be opened up, especially if they are shutting off. Try opening the reeds, keeping the chanter out of the pipes (cork the chanter stock) and strike in the bag and see if you can get them to sound. I'm happy to help further if needed.
Heyy Banta Music!!!! This video is soo well made and user friendly !!! Very easy to follow too ya !!!! I only had one small question, what direction would u move the bridle to have less air intake for drones and what way for more air intake? is one way towards the ceiling and the other to the ground... srry
Thank you! To open the reed (more air intake), move the bridle toward the hemped side (the end that goes in the reed seat), and the opposite way for less air intake.
Hi, I transitioned to the pipes some months ago, and after playing many weeks with just chanter and chanter and inside tenor, I am now opening up the bass drone, and I found I am still having some problem with it. My inside tenor tunes right around the hemp line, while the only way to strike in correctly and tune the bass is having the upper bass pin two or more fingers below the hemp line, and middle bass ferrule about a finger from the projecting mount. If I move the upper bass part to the correct place so that it shows one hemp line, when I strike in both the open drones make the same sound that is at 1:07 and 1:17 in the video. The bridle position of both reeds is just fine so they shut off at roughly the same pressure. Air tightness of everything had been checked. Would you have any advise please?
Sounds like your bass drone reed is set too sharp and it needs to be flattened so that it tunes to the proper places. What brand of reed are you using? When you lower the top part from that position, it will cause the middle part to go up, and it sounds like it would need to go too far to balance the sound, which would also result in the drone squealing.
Thanks a lot for your reply. I am using standard Eezydrone reeds. If I need to sharpen the bass drone reed as you said, it means I have to open it up. But in this way it would take too much more air than the tenor reed, causing air inefficency. Isn't this right? Further, flattening the reed doesn't result in the drone to tune even lower?
@@larixdecidua8099 If the air efficiency of the reeds is good, I would not touch the bridle. The tuning screw on the reed sharpens and flattens it. To bring the drone higher on the tuning pin, you want to sharpen the drone by turning the tuning screw clockwise so that it goes further into the reed. Yes, lowering the drone flattens it; my mistake.
Yes, there is a difference. From what Ive heard, blackwood typically projects a wee bit better (not to say that plastic pipes dont sound good, they sound awesome!). The difference may not be noticed by untrained ears.
I currently use MG reeds. I used EZ reeds before. I would recommend both. I've also Kinnairds and Canning, to name a couple more. All these brands are good. I personally prefer the EZ and MG reeds because they are the easiest to change the pitch (turning the pin on the top of the reeds vs having to remove the top and use an allenkey to adjust the pitch on the Kinnairds). Keep in mind that not all reeds will work in each set of pipes. I recently tried Selbies but could not properly strike in my pipes; the Selbies give a good sound though.
@@KyleBantaMusic Thanks, really appreciate it. I been using Balance Tone reeds for a long time but recently switched over to the High Resonance version. Started well but now having trouble with them appearing to take too much air. Played around with the bridles too long without much success, they are incredibly sensitive regards adjustment. I'm reading your comment and now think maybe this new version might not suit these pipes, I'm blowing too hard and losing notes playing with chanter. Frustrating! But great and reassuring to read a second opinion. Finding the right reeds and setting up is eating my time, once I had great playing pipe, they just went on and on!!! No more. Cheers my friend.
I havent used Balance Tone reeds so I cannot comment on them. While Canning for instance gave a very steady tone, minor adjustments made a big difference compared to other brands. It’s a good idea to check the drone reeds every so often to ensure they are working at an optimal level (the tongues on reeds unfortunately dont last forever). It might take some time to figure out what bagpipe setup works best for you with regards to reeds. Keep at it and you will figure it out. Let me know if you have any other questions!
@@KyleBantaMusic Thanks again. I think the message I'm getting is SOME synthetic drone reeds work better, or don't work at all (for whatever reason) on certain pipes. Am I right? So need to experiment.
@@maxwellfan55 to an extent, yes. Bagpipes can be quirky things. If one set of reeds dont work (given that you've made the appropriate adjustments to the bridle, ensured that the reed is seated properly, etc.), then yes, try a different set of reeds. It's important to emphasize that the reeds are likely not damaged or poorly made, they just happen to not work in your pipes (this isnt very common, but it does happen). If you are unsure about the reeds, contacting the maker of the reeds might help.
There is a SACRED LAW ...do not touch your drone reeds brides ( keep them as maker send to you)....move, touch, brides when it is more than neccesary depending your " drone reeds air efficiency "
Thanks for your comment Pedro. Adjusting drone reeds is something that everyone needs to learn how to do, especially given the fact that more people are having to seek online help. Its being aware of what adjustments will result in a more air efficient bagpipe rather than air loss or no drone sound (you are correct that the reeds may not require adjusting, however usually that’s not the case with new reeds). If you play in a band and your PM has adjusted your reeds, then no, you would not adjust them unless instructed or you know how to adjust them and your PM trusts your judgement.
I wouldnt say that being in a band is a problem, being a band member is extremely rewarding. Not everyone has access to those opportunities though, which I understand.
Are there any questions about this video that you dont see from other viewers? Post them below :)
Very helpful! I found out my pipes are a hot mess. Lol.... I need a lot of help. 🤦♀️
How can I help you Kathy? What part(s) are you struggling with?
@@KyleBantaMusic I really struggle getting the drone reads right What's the proper amount of air. This video is so helpful I'm just going to rewatch it until I get it right on my pipes. If I bring the bridle down too much and not allow too much air through then I feel like I can't even blow into the pipes. If I put them higher the drones sound so sharp.
Oh And when I strike in... one of the drones goes real high and then I've squeeze the bag harder and it skips into Tone.
@@kfossi1986 What brand of drone reeds are you using? Some brands are more sensitive than others when adjusting bridles and tuning pieces. Factoring in that your pipe bag is air efficient, your drone reeds should just require a bit of adjustment to make them more playable.
If the drones come in with a big more pressure, they are taking just a little too much air. You will also want to adjust the pitch of the reed if it is tuning too high o the pin. Check your drone reed paper or search it on the web.
Thank you! This was very helpful!
You’re welcome, glad you found it helpful!
Informative but - If you're ready to stop guessing buy and learn to use a pressure gauge. Easy medium is around 22-25" w.c. If your chanter reed is playing there set your drones to cut out around 26-28" w.c. and reed strength should be good to go. Set the drones where you want them then tune the reed to fit the drone. Typically 476hz and matched to the chanter. 466hz if you are running b-flat. Bagpipe and reed makers use these numbers. Why don't you? 60+ years and trained in Scotland - in case you're wondering. I doctor and restore bagpipes.
I've never used a pressure gauge in my life. I dont know if they were around when I learned in the 90s/2000s. If they were, it wasnt mentioned to me. I learned by ear. 476 isnt bad to start; however, 480 is more preferable nowadays.
@@KyleBantaMusic 60 plus years for me and multiple bagpipes at once. I solve problems for others and visual aids are helpful. I measure everything and promote lower pitch. Mostly I play at 466hz and always solo. Not a fan of todays' high pitch. I often play old bagpipes where they were made to play.
Fair enough. There has been debate whether or not the pitch is climbing too high every year.
@@KyleBantaMusic That has been going on in band competition for a long time and it's a trend I don't care for. I competed in G-1 in the early 60's on a 50's set of Sinclair's with original abw chanter. That was the one back then and I still have it today. I cut my teeth on the old pitch and I'm glad to see 466hz/bflat making a comeback, Thanks for what you do. These days I'm just a retired guy that still plays a few chunes and remembers a few things. Cheers!
Hi, thank you for the time you spend in making these helpful videos. This morning I got a problem: I strike in, tune the bass to the middle (chanter and outside tenor corked off, I am still learning) and After that I cannot strike in any more, I mean, the bass tenor strikes in with a much sharper sound that does not change. I can strike in only if I slide down the bass tenor tuning pin, and hence putting It out of tune again. Last time I did not have this problem. I have checked air tightness and everything related Do you have any suggestion? If atfer striking in with the bass sounding much sharper I shut it off and open it again, it makes the correct sound
Cheers, it's a delight to know that my videos help people out.
I'm going to assume to that the reeds are properly seated in the drones. I suggest tuning the outside tenor to the bass first, then tune the middle/inside tenor to the outside tenor and bass. There's a good chance that your tenor is too high on the tuning pin for the bass to compensate. If my bass is too high and I strike in, it will often double-tone as the air pressure is not enough to get the bass to strike in properly. Try lowering the bass so you fit 2 fingers between the ferrule and the bass drone middle (you might need to adjust the reed pitch) then tune the outside tenor, then the middle tenor (again, the reed pitches may need to be adjusted). Let me know if this works :)
Thank you so much for your replay. While waiting for your answer, I had to lower an inch the upper part of the bass drone from the default position (first raw of hemping showing), set the middle bass drone two finger from the projecting mount and tune the middle drone to the bass. This way it worked. Is this admissible in your opinion? I am going to try your way too. THX!
Sounds like you are on the right track. You should only see a bit of hemp on the top tuning pin of the bass drone. Yes, 2 fingers between the middle part and the ferrule gives you the optimal (best) tuning range.
I've bought my first set of GHB's, and have never had the opportunity to try and strike in. As soon as I get the bag about 1/2 full, the drones just start to make a dull whine and deflate. I haven't been able to stand there, inflated bag, waiting for my chance to start making sound on the instrument. I've overpressured the reeds and caused them to shut down, but then there's no striking in. There is no one where I live to rely on for help in setting these things up, either. What would you suggest?
Im sorry to hear you are having trouble. If the reeds are making a sound with the bag 1/2 full, that seems quite early for them to sound. That tells me that they are too closed and need to be opened up, especially if they are shutting off. Try opening the reeds, keeping the chanter out of the pipes (cork the chanter stock) and strike in the bag and see if you can get them to sound. I'm happy to help further if needed.
Heyy Banta Music!!!! This video is soo well made and user friendly !!! Very easy to follow too ya !!!! I only had one small question, what direction would u move the bridle to have less air intake for drones and what way for more air intake? is one way towards the ceiling and the other to the ground... srry
Thank you! To open the reed (more air intake), move the bridle toward the hemped side (the end that goes in the reed seat), and the opposite way for less air intake.
Hi, I transitioned to the pipes some months ago, and after playing many weeks with just chanter and chanter and inside tenor, I am now opening up the bass drone, and I found I am still having some problem with it. My inside tenor tunes right around the hemp line, while the only way to strike in correctly and tune the bass is having the upper bass pin two or more fingers below the hemp line, and middle bass ferrule about a finger from the projecting mount. If I move the upper bass part to the correct place so that it shows one hemp line, when I strike in both the open drones make the same sound that is at 1:07 and 1:17 in the video. The bridle position of both reeds is just fine so they shut off at roughly the same pressure. Air tightness of everything had been checked. Would you have any advise please?
Sounds like your bass drone reed is set too sharp and it needs to be flattened so that it tunes to the proper places. What brand of reed are you using? When you lower the top part from that position, it will cause the middle part to go up, and it sounds like it would need to go too far to balance the sound, which would also result in the drone squealing.
Thanks a lot for your reply. I am using standard Eezydrone reeds. If I need to sharpen the bass drone reed as you said, it means I have to open it up. But in this way it would take too much more air than the tenor reed, causing air inefficency. Isn't this right? Further, flattening the reed doesn't result in the drone to tune even lower?
@@larixdecidua8099 If the air efficiency of the reeds is good, I would not touch the bridle. The tuning screw on the reed sharpens and flattens it. To bring the drone higher on the tuning pin, you want to sharpen the drone by turning the tuning screw clockwise so that it goes further into the reed. Yes, lowering the drone flattens it; my mistake.
Thank you so much, I will try it
Is there a lot of difference in sound between Blackwood vs plastic bagpipes ?
Yes, there is a difference. From what Ive heard, blackwood typically projects a wee bit better (not to say that plastic pipes dont sound good, they sound awesome!). The difference may not be noticed by untrained ears.
Hi, could tell us what drone reeds you use? Recommend? And why.
I currently use MG reeds. I used EZ reeds before. I would recommend both. I've also Kinnairds and Canning, to name a couple more. All these brands are good. I personally prefer the EZ and MG reeds because they are the easiest to change the pitch (turning the pin on the top of the reeds vs having to remove the top and use an allenkey to adjust the pitch on the Kinnairds). Keep in mind that not all reeds will work in each set of pipes. I recently tried Selbies but could not properly strike in my pipes; the Selbies give a good sound though.
@@KyleBantaMusic Thanks, really appreciate it. I been using Balance Tone reeds for a long time but recently switched over to the High Resonance version. Started well but now having trouble with them appearing to take too much air. Played around with the bridles too long without much success, they are incredibly sensitive regards adjustment. I'm reading your comment and now think maybe this new version might not suit these pipes, I'm blowing too hard and losing notes playing with chanter. Frustrating! But great and reassuring to read a second opinion.
Finding the right reeds and setting up is eating my time, once I had great playing pipe, they just went on and on!!! No more. Cheers my friend.
I havent used Balance Tone reeds so I cannot comment on them. While Canning for instance gave a very steady tone, minor adjustments made a big difference compared to other brands. It’s a good idea to check the drone reeds every so often to ensure they are working at an optimal level (the tongues on reeds unfortunately dont last forever). It might take some time to figure out what bagpipe setup works best for you with regards to reeds. Keep at it and you will figure it out. Let me know if you have any other questions!
@@KyleBantaMusic Thanks again. I think the message I'm getting is SOME synthetic drone reeds work better, or don't work at all (for whatever reason) on certain pipes. Am I right? So need to experiment.
@@maxwellfan55 to an extent, yes. Bagpipes can be quirky things. If one set of reeds dont work (given that you've made the appropriate adjustments to the bridle, ensured that the reed is seated properly, etc.), then yes, try a different set of reeds. It's important to emphasize that the reeds are likely not damaged or poorly made, they just happen to not work in your pipes (this isnt very common, but it does happen). If you are unsure about the reeds, contacting the maker of the reeds might help.
There is a SACRED LAW ...do not touch your drone reeds brides ( keep them as maker send to you)....move, touch, brides when it is more than neccesary depending your " drone reeds air efficiency "
Thanks for your comment Pedro.
Adjusting drone reeds is something that everyone needs to learn how to do, especially given the fact that more people are having to seek online help. Its being aware of what adjustments will result in a more air efficient bagpipe rather than air loss or no drone sound (you are correct that the reeds may not require adjusting, however usually that’s not the case with new reeds).
If you play in a band and your PM has adjusted your reeds, then no, you would not adjust them unless instructed or you know how to adjust them and your PM trusts your judgement.
@@KyleBantaMusic Yes!. I agree....in my case, as a humble and SOLO amateur, I have less problems than If I were in a band
I wouldnt say that being in a band is a problem, being a band member is extremely rewarding. Not everyone has access to those opportunities though, which I understand.
@@KyleBantaMusic Yes, you’re right! I wanted to say to be in a band is different and tuning drones is different if you play solo