Mastering Tuning Screws On The Bagpipe

In this episode of “The Pipe Box”, Gold Medallist, Jim McGillivray explains how to master tuning screws on the Great Highland Bagpipe. Proper set up of synthetic drone reeds is key to ensuring that they perform and sound their best in your bagpipe.
Improper set-up can prevent you from getting the best sound from your drones and create difficulty with strike-ins and double toning (roars).
Jim looks at and explains how to use four different drone brands (Ezeedrone, Canning, Kinnaird, and Highland Reed's 'Balance Tone'.) To purchase any of the drone reeds featured in the video please visit -piping.on.ca/d...
Nearly all synthetic drone reed makers today offer some kind of a tuning screw in the ends of their reeds. These are provided so that you can adjust the pitch of the reed. By moving the screw outwards the reed becomes flatter and the drone top must tune lower on the tuning pin. By moving the screw inwards the reed becomes sharper and the drone top must tune higher on the tuning pin.
Here’s an easy way to remember as you are looking at the reed in its position in the drone reedseat. Remember that whichever way you move the tuning screw is the same direction the drone top will move on the pin.
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This episode is brought to you by www.bagpiping.ca and www.pipetunes.ca
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[@Jordenweiss]

Jim, Thanks so much for your excellent lessons! I learn so much each time I study your exercises!
Best! Jorden

[@jesseburnette6028]

What’s the most air efficient + best sounding synthetic reed on the market in your opinion?

[@dickhensold7052]

Does sinking or extending the tuning screw have any other effects on the performance of the drone besides pitch?

[@jimmcgillivray3898]

No appreciable effect.