It's a great combo. Have you tried the new Ezeedrone bass with increased abosroption. It's my favorite bass reed of all time! bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/exclusive-ezeedrone-combo-set/
I just got my practice chanter for my birthday, im 67. I always liked wind instruments. Found out quite some time ago, our ancestors are of Scottish decent. Must be why I like the sound that the bagpipe makes. It's going to be quite a challenge since I have no music ability whatsoever, as far as I know.
Happy birthday! Congratulations on getting your practice chanter. I have a complete beginner course available for my members here. Check it out! bagpipelessons.com/membership/
40+ yrs in piping. Started out with leather bags & flapper valves & iffy cane reeds & went through all that misery. Got everything modernized now. Life is easier.
Pipe makers in Argentina? Give me some names. I'd like to check them out. By the way congratulations on your new president! Wish we had the like of him here.
I've had Selbies and loved them but could not for the life of me get replacement tongues, and I dealt with Selbie directly. Finally found some in Canada. That's when I i turned to more reliable reed makers, perhaps they've improved they're customer service, this was pre pandemic.
I have replaced tongues on drone reeds but I've found the best option is to replace the reeds. When you get to the stage that something is wrong enough that you think you need new tongues, the best solution is a whole new set of reeds.
We all know the challenges of reed selection. However, I find it interesting the lack of a meaningful exchange policy by those selling pipe supplies. They will tell you they are splendid in XYZ brand - but not so much when you get them. And YES, we are smart enough to get passed the hurdle of those who are scared of “used” drone reed so exchanging a used reed should not even be an issue. We exchange reeds all the time on the open market. On a Side Note: I had a set of Rocket Reeds which were consistent for over 12 years. I remember the Wygent reeds - which many copied. Mark was way ahead of his time and his contribution to the art should NEVER be forgotten.
When you visit the BagpipeLessons.com/shop, you will notice only a few of the very best options available on the market. I only sell items that I have personally tested and recommend. I stand by my products 100% and will ensure you are happy with your purchase. Please reach out if I can answer any more questions to you. And yes, Wygent reeds were the original small tongued synthetic bagpipe drone reed. Iconic design that paved the way for today's modern drone reeds.
Thanks for the video. I will say that my cane drone reeds are just as stable and reliable has any synthetic reed NOW that I have them capped with your Tone Protector for Drone Reeds. Seriously, playing cane has never been easier coupled with a Sheep Skin bag, a good split Stock tube trap and your Tone Protector for Drones. Nothing sounds better than cane IMHO.
Thanks, Nick. I'm glad to hear the Tone Protectors for Drones are working for you! bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/tone-protector-for-drones/ I do have a small but loyal following of pipers like you who love the cane drone reed sound and are willing to put in the extra work and care to get them to work. Most pipers around the world, from beginners to the world's top pipers, use modern drone reeds for the incredible sound and stability and predictability. Not to mention lower cost!
You might try a new set and see how they compare. Rocket reeds were great when they came out in the late 1990s but they tend to get dull sounding over time as the tongues get tired.
Great info, as always! Re: Ezee tenors - Are you able to find the optimal tuning position on your Atherton Legacies using the regular pitched reeds? I’ve found myself needing the longer, low-pitched Ezee tenors on both my Legacies and MD’s, tuning around 478-480.
I have found the regular length tenors (both classic style and increased absorption style) work perfectly in my Athertons. I like some hemp showing on the pin.
You need the Dri Flo system! bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/dri-flo/ The Ezeedrones with increased absorption will help with excess moisture, but only up to a point. If you are truly a wet blower, you'll need a moisture control system. I've tried most of them and my all-time favorite is the Dri Flo system. It's easy to use, super lightweight, and very effective. I've found it keeps the reeds dry much longer than any other system. The drying rocks (silica gel) change color, too, which makes it very clear when you need to dry the rocks out (orange = dry, green = wet and time to change).
Hi Jori, I had the Ezeedrone reeds with inverted bass and couldn't get them to reliably strike in. On recommendation from my instructor, I changed to the Highland reeds Blance Tone drone reeds and have had nothing but success in striking in and they play very steady for me. The new ones have been redesigned.
Ezeedrones work very well in all makes of pipes that I've tried! But with any set of reeds you will need to learn to strike your pipes in properly. It's an important skill that should be mastered by all pipers. Any interest in a video on striking in the pipes?
If your reeds aren't working properly and they are new, I'd say you need to try a different type of reed. My favorite is the Ezeedrone Combo Set. It is very stable and efficient and has an incredible sound: bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/exclusive-ezeedrone-combo-set/
Does anyone know of a set of drone reeds that sound like the older yellow balance tone drone reeds from highland reeds with the shorter hollow end plugs? Those have always been my favorite reeds, I haven't yet herd a reed that has the same tonal profile as those reeds. I tried both the new regular balance tones, as well as the high resonance drone reeds, but they all sound more like the easydrones, I am not a fan of the sound of those, so any help would be greatly appreciated thanks ,
I would recommend you try my Ezeedrone combo set. Those yellow drone reeds are too buzzy for my liking in most sets of pipes. bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/exclusive-ezeedrone-combo-set/
@@bagpipelessons it’s actually that bright buzz that I prefer. It sets my bagpipe drones apart from most other bagpipes. i’ve actually won several competitions with that set up. but unfortunately, I’ve been playing these reads for eight years now, and they’re about on their way out. But I am hesitant to switch to any other reads, because none of them have that particular tonal profile that I’m looking for.I've tried ezedrones, I've tried kinaird, I've tried selbys, most drone reeds on the market, but none of them come cloce, except for maybe the kinaird reeds to that sound I'm looking for. But thanks anyway.
Great video, Jori, I hear that the Balance tone high resonance drone reeds are becomming more and more popular. What is your opinion? Thanks, Søren. Btw: I also use the Ezeedrone combo set.
Most of the sets of those reeds that I've seen are loud and unsteady. When you blow on the reed, it has the louder second tone problem. Here's the part of the video 09:30 where I discuss the importance of the quieter, smoother, more focused second tone and how it's a marker for stability and efficiency and a more refined sound.
I recently attended a pibroch workshop. The instructor, who is one of the best out there, was playing Hitchings HR reeds. He wouldn't tell me till day 2 what they were. I was so impressed I bought some and absolutely love them, steady, air efficient and great harmonics. Recently in competition I got complimented on drone sound. Maybe jori had a bad set?? Idk
@@rabidrooster6525 The older style of the Balance tone drone reeds were much loud and buzzy than the HR ones. I still find the HR to be much louder and buzzy than Ezeedrones and not quite as steady. Maybe they need some time to be played in or a lot of experimenting finding the sweet spot? And I find that the reed body moves too easy on the part you use to adjust the pitch of the reed.
Great video but some time spent actually tuning would have been great. Efficiency is something I struggle with and when I watch pipers produce great sound with little effort I am lefty wondering what I am missing.
Thank you, John! I have a detailed video all about tuning on my channel called Getting Started with the InTune Mic for Faster & Easier Bagpipe Tuning. Check it out! ua-cam.com/video/MdI2Ria8kZE/v-deo.html
Hallo! I am playing an Grainger & Cambell set in b flat. Is that combo set of drone reeds vou recommend in the last part of the video available in b flat? Best wishes from the harz mountains
Thank you! You won't want a set in B Flat. Get the combo set and then get the Drone Reed Extenders and you can get the B flat pitch easily. bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/drone-reed-extenders/
I play Steady Drone Reeds from Bagpipe Galore in Edinburgh. They dont have that 2 tone thing, like Ezeedrones. I nevet got Ezeedrones to work in my MacCallum pipes.
Ezeedrones work wonderfully in McCallums, but of course you need to have them set up properly. If your current drone reeds don't have the nice double tone, you are probably losing a lot of potential air efficiency and stability gains.
Hi Jori - when blowing my Tenor drone by mouth, I get two tones but the first one is very high in pitch (think falsetto). The second tone is good and steady. Does this indicate an issue in your opinion? I'm using the regular eZeeDrone reed. Great video! Many thanks.
Greetings Jori, I have question for you. I have a new reed(g1) and it’s a bit hard, I have an elastic band on it, and am always reluctant to scrape it. Is it okay to soak it for a few seconds10/ 15 seconds in water. Thanks, Ross
When a reed is too hard, I used the elastic rubber band bridle to close it down and make it easier to play. I do no scrape or cut reeds to make them easier. If the elastic isn't doing the trick, you might need to double or triple or quadruple it to make it tighter. I would NEVER soak a reed. Use the Tone Protector or Tone Protector Reed Case to get the humidity at the perfect level - any more will make the reed water logged and flat and unstable as it will dry out as you play. More on the Tone Protector here: bagpipelessons.com/products/tone-protector
I recommend replacing those reeds with a different set. Ezeedrones or Selbies have a much smoother sound and much more efficient air-usage. bagpipelessons.com/products/bagpipe-products/drone-reeds/
For my Hardie/ Hendersons, I’ve found that Ezeedrone tenors & the Selbie bass are a great combo
It's a great combo. Have you tried the new Ezeedrone bass with increased abosroption. It's my favorite bass reed of all time! bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/exclusive-ezeedrone-combo-set/
I just got my practice chanter for my birthday, im 67. I always liked wind instruments. Found out quite some time ago, our ancestors are of Scottish decent. Must be why I like the sound that the bagpipe makes. It's going to be quite a challenge since I have no music ability whatsoever, as far as I know.
Happy birthday! Congratulations on getting your practice chanter. I have a complete beginner course available for my members here. Check it out! bagpipelessons.com/membership/
40+ yrs in piping. Started out with leather bags & flapper valves & iffy cane reeds & went through all that misery. Got everything modernized now. Life is easier.
Agreed! Piping has never been for fun. And it's never been easier to get a great sounding bagpipe that stays in tune and is easy to play. Thank you!
Started over 50 years ago with the added advantage of being in Argentina, so ordering was a real nightmare.
Now we even have pipe makers.
Pipe makers in Argentina? Give me some names. I'd like to check them out. By the way congratulations on your new president! Wish we had the like of him here.
@@lesliethomson2441 Wow! I can only imagine the challenges of getting good reeds in Argentina long ago!
Jori comments from my Pipe Major made put the pipes back in there case, your tutorials have got me back on the Chanter . can you come to Australia.
Thank you, sir! I'd love to have you as part of my Inner Circle. Join me! bagpipelessons.com/membership/
Very cool from Brazil 🇧🇷
Great info. Thanks for posting.
I've had Selbies and loved them but could not for the life of me get replacement tongues, and I dealt with Selbie directly. Finally found some in Canada. That's when I i turned to more reliable reed makers, perhaps they've improved they're customer service, this was pre pandemic.
I have replaced tongues on drone reeds but I've found the best option is to replace the reeds. When you get to the stage that something is wrong enough that you think you need new tongues, the best solution is a whole new set of reeds.
We all know the challenges of reed selection. However, I find it interesting the lack of a meaningful exchange policy by those selling pipe supplies. They will tell you they are splendid in XYZ brand - but not so much when you get them. And YES, we are smart enough to get passed the hurdle of those who are scared of “used” drone reed so exchanging a used reed should not even be an issue.
We exchange reeds all the time on the open market. On a Side Note: I had a set of Rocket Reeds which were consistent for over 12 years.
I remember the Wygent reeds - which many copied. Mark was way ahead of his time and his contribution to the art should NEVER be forgotten.
When you visit the BagpipeLessons.com/shop, you will notice only a few of the very best options available on the market. I only sell items that I have personally tested and recommend. I stand by my products 100% and will ensure you are happy with your purchase. Please reach out if I can answer any more questions to you.
And yes, Wygent reeds were the original small tongued synthetic bagpipe drone reed. Iconic design that paved the way for today's modern drone reeds.
Thanks for the video. I will say that my cane drone reeds are just as stable and reliable has any synthetic reed NOW that I have them capped with your Tone Protector for Drone Reeds. Seriously, playing cane has never been easier coupled with a Sheep Skin bag, a good split Stock tube trap and your Tone Protector for Drones. Nothing sounds better than cane IMHO.
Thanks, Nick. I'm glad to hear the Tone Protectors for Drones are working for you! bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/tone-protector-for-drones/ I do have a small but loyal following of pipers like you who love the cane drone reed sound and are willing to put in the extra work and care to get them to work. Most pipers around the world, from beginners to the world's top pipers, use modern drone reeds for the incredible sound and stability and predictability. Not to mention lower cost!
I’ve been playing the same set of Rockets since 2008. Still rock solid.
You might try a new set and see how they compare. Rocket reeds were great when they came out in the late 1990s but they tend to get dull sounding over time as the tongues get tired.
Great info, as always! Re: Ezee tenors - Are you able to find the optimal tuning position on your Atherton Legacies using the regular pitched reeds? I’ve found myself needing the longer, low-pitched Ezee tenors on both my Legacies and MD’s, tuning around 478-480.
I have found the regular length tenors (both classic style and increased absorption style) work perfectly in my Athertons. I like some hemp showing on the pin.
Tips for wet blowers in terms of type of synthetic reed
You need the Dri Flo system! bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/dri-flo/ The Ezeedrones with increased absorption will help with excess moisture, but only up to a point. If you are truly a wet blower, you'll need a moisture control system. I've tried most of them and my all-time favorite is the Dri Flo system. It's easy to use, super lightweight, and very effective. I've found it keeps the reeds dry much longer than any other system. The drying rocks (silica gel) change color, too, which makes it very clear when you need to dry the rocks out (orange = dry, green = wet and time to change).
Hi Jori,
I had the Ezeedrone reeds with inverted bass and couldn't get them to reliably strike in. On recommendation from my instructor, I changed to the Highland reeds Blance Tone drone reeds and have had nothing but success in striking in and they play very steady for me. The new ones have been redesigned.
Ezeedrones work very well in all makes of pipes that I've tried! But with any set of reeds you will need to learn to strike your pipes in properly. It's an important skill that should be mastered by all pipers. Any interest in a video on striking in the pipes?
@@bagpipelessons Interested
Balance Tone are the best by far...air efficient and great harmonics.
My reeds are doing all those things. But, they’re almost new.
If your reeds aren't working properly and they are new, I'd say you need to try a different type of reed. My favorite is the Ezeedrone Combo Set. It is very stable and efficient and has an incredible sound: bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/exclusive-ezeedrone-combo-set/
Does anyone know of a set of drone reeds that sound like the older yellow balance tone drone reeds from highland reeds with the shorter hollow end plugs? Those have always been my favorite reeds, I haven't yet herd a reed that has the same tonal profile as those reeds. I tried both the new regular balance tones, as well as the high resonance drone reeds, but they all sound more like the easydrones, I am not a fan of the sound of those, so any help would be greatly appreciated thanks ,
I would recommend you try my Ezeedrone combo set. Those yellow drone reeds are too buzzy for my liking in most sets of pipes. bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/exclusive-ezeedrone-combo-set/
@@bagpipelessons it’s actually that bright buzz that I prefer. It sets my bagpipe drones apart from most other bagpipes. i’ve actually won several competitions with that set up. but unfortunately, I’ve been playing these reads for eight years now, and they’re about on their way out. But I am hesitant to switch to any other reads, because none of them have that particular tonal profile that I’m looking for.I've tried ezedrones, I've tried kinaird, I've tried selbys, most drone reeds on the market, but none of them come cloce, except for maybe the kinaird reeds to that sound I'm looking for. But thanks anyway.
Great video, Jori, I hear that the Balance tone high resonance drone reeds are becomming more and more popular. What is your opinion? Thanks, Søren. Btw: I also use the Ezeedrone combo set.
Most of the sets of those reeds that I've seen are loud and unsteady. When you blow on the reed, it has the louder second tone problem. Here's the part of the video 09:30 where I discuss the importance of the quieter, smoother, more focused second tone and how it's a marker for stability and efficiency and a more refined sound.
I recently attended a pibroch workshop. The instructor, who is one of the best out there, was playing Hitchings HR reeds. He wouldn't tell me till day 2 what they were. I was so impressed I bought some and absolutely love them, steady, air efficient and great harmonics. Recently in competition I got complimented on drone sound. Maybe jori had a bad set?? Idk
@@rabidrooster6525 The older style of the Balance tone drone reeds were much loud and buzzy than the HR ones. I still find the HR to be much louder and buzzy than Ezeedrones and not quite as steady. Maybe they need some time to be played in or a lot of experimenting finding the sweet spot? And I find that the reed body moves too easy on the part you use to adjust the pitch of the reed.
@@SorenErikLarsen I think I did read the older ones were like that, I can see how they may slide too easily on their "tuning pin"
@@SorenErikLarsen Agreed. Too buzzy, too unsteady, too loose on the sliding part.
Great video but some time spent actually tuning would have been great.
Efficiency is something I struggle with and when I watch pipers produce great sound with little effort I am lefty wondering what I am missing.
Thank you, John! I have a detailed video all about tuning on my channel called Getting Started with the InTune Mic for Faster & Easier Bagpipe Tuning. Check it out! ua-cam.com/video/MdI2Ria8kZE/v-deo.html
Hallo! I am playing an Grainger & Cambell set in b flat. Is that combo set of drone reeds vou recommend in the last part of the video available in b flat?
Best wishes from the harz mountains
Thank you! You won't want a set in B Flat. Get the combo set and then get the Drone Reed Extenders and you can get the B flat pitch easily. bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/drone-reed-extenders/
Question, once you’ve properly got the reeds to sound the two tones, should the reed shutoff if blown hard enough?
Yes, that's right!
I play Steady Drone Reeds from Bagpipe Galore in Edinburgh. They dont have that 2 tone thing, like Ezeedrones. I nevet got Ezeedrones to work in my MacCallum pipes.
Ezeedrones work wonderfully in McCallums, but of course you need to have them set up properly. If your current drone reeds don't have the nice double tone, you are probably losing a lot of potential air efficiency and stability gains.
Hi Jori - when blowing my Tenor drone by mouth, I get two tones but the first one is very high in pitch (think falsetto). The second tone is good and steady. Does this indicate an issue in your opinion? I'm using the regular eZeeDrone reed. Great video! Many thanks.
Yes, that's fine! If you want to avoid the high pitched first tone, you can try to strike the bag just a little bit harder.
❤❤ वह गजब क्या बात है मुझे भी यह ड्रोन चाहिए आप काहां से हो
Thank you!
Greetings Jori, I have question for you. I have a new reed(g1) and it’s a bit hard, I have an elastic band on it, and am always reluctant to scrape it. Is it okay to soak it for a few seconds10/ 15 seconds in water. Thanks, Ross
When a reed is too hard, I used the elastic rubber band bridle to close it down and make it easier to play. I do no scrape or cut reeds to make them easier. If the elastic isn't doing the trick, you might need to double or triple or quadruple it to make it tighter. I would NEVER soak a reed. Use the Tone Protector or Tone Protector Reed Case to get the humidity at the perfect level - any more will make the reed water logged and flat and unstable as it will dry out as you play. More on the Tone Protector here: bagpipelessons.com/products/tone-protector
Any tips for double toning kinaird reads?
I recommend replacing those reeds with a different set. Ezeedrones or Selbies have a much smoother sound and much more efficient air-usage. bagpipelessons.com/products/bagpipe-products/drone-reeds/
Plus the bottoms fall out on occasion..