Download My Free Guide: How to Get a World Class Bagpipe Sound link.bagpipelessons.com/worldclasssound In this video, I'll walk you through tuning your bagpipes efficiently and precisely with the help of some unique tools. Using my InTune Mic™, the Braw Tuner, and the Piper's Advantage Phone Mount, I'll show you the complete tuning process step-by-step. You’ll get to see my setup in action, including a time-lapse of the entire process from start to finish, and learn the exact techniques and tools I rely on for fast, consistent, and accurate tuning. Tuning bagpipes can be challenging, but with the right approach and equipment, you can achieve a perfectly tuned sound. Throughout this video, I’ll explain how to warm up your pipes, adjust your drones and chanter, and make fine-tuning adjustments using tape and mic placement. By the end, you’ll know how to achieve an incredible, professional sound and feel confident in your setup, whether you’re preparing for a solo performance or playing with a band. If you’re ready to tune your pipes like a pro, the InTune Mic™ and Braw Tuner can be game-changers, helping you stay pitch-perfect in any setting. Let's dive in and make your bagpipe tuning faster, easier, and more precise than ever. InTune Mic: intunemic.com Discover the ultra-compact, superlight wireless microphone that's changing the game for pipers. Compatible with iPhones, Android phones, iPads, and computers. Piper's Advantage™ Bagpipe Phone Mount: bagpipelessons.com/phonemount/ Enhance your tuning experience with this essential accessory. Available at a 50% off when you bundle with the InTune Mic. Braw Tuner App: bagpipelessons.com/tuner My go-to tuner app, designed specifically for bagpipes. It's simple, innovative, and incredibly effective. Download it here: Braw Tuner. Keep In Touch: Join my email list: bagpipelessons.com/join/ Facebook: facebook.com/bagpipelessons Instagram: instagram.com/bagpipelessons Subscribe to BagpipeLessons.com on UA-cam: ua-cam.com/users/bagpipelessons Join my Inner Circle: bagpipelessons.com/membership The BagpipeLessons.com Inner Circle is an exclusive membership that provides pipers with unparalleled access to top-tier instruction, my entire lesson library, and weekly live Zoom classes. Perfect for pipers looking to take their skills to the next level! Get My Bagpipe Essentials Masterclass: bagpipelessons.com/masterclass This step-by-step video course covers essential bagpipe fingering techniques. With 31 high-quality, detailed videos, you'll master everything from basic scales to advanced embellishments. Useful Links: BagpipeLessons.com Shop: bagpipelessons.com/shop Learn More: bagpipelessons.com/learn Inner Circle Membership: bagpipelessons.com/membership Bagpipe Essentials Masterclass: bagpipelessons.com/masterclass Video Chapters: 00:01 Introduction to Bagpipe Tuning 00:32 Tools for Perfect Tuning 01:45 Time-Lapse of the Complete Tuning Process 08:45 Tuning Tools: InTune Mic, Braw Tuner, Piper’s Advantage Phone Mount 10:21 Drones and Chanter Tuning Process 11:56 Step-by-Step Tuning Walkthrough 13:43 Tips for Fine-Tuning Your Ear and Using the Tuner 14:39 Adjusting Chanter Position and Fine-Tuning Individual Notes with Tape 17:15 Final Drone and Chanter Adjustments 18:59 Checking for Consistency and Sound Quality 19:48 Final Tuning Tips for Performance Remember to subscribe and click the notification bell for more invaluable tips and lessons. Your support means the world to us-it helps us bring more great content to bagpipers worldwide. Happy Piping!
Hello, sir? I’m a dedicated follower of your UA-cam channel and just wanted to say that I appreciate how informative and well-thought-out your videos are. Wishing you continued success
Thank you for making this, I could never find a great video using the Braw tuner with in tune mic. I’m actually looking forward to really dive in and use them now, even though I’ve had them for quite a while
I'm glad you found this video helpful. I do have a few others on my channel about how to tune with the InTune Mic. ua-cam.com/video/hVAaQeRSJPQ/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/O78whjE5OOg/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/MdI2Ria8kZE/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/IFYu2iO0m1w/v-deo.html
Spot on sound. A great video as usual, but I noticed that you keep High A well low of the mark. I keep my High A a bit low so I can blow slightly up to what I feel is my perfect note not too high but your's made me fell it was too low. Individual taste?
Great question! I should mentioned that... yes I like High A to be flatter than what the tuner shows as "in tune." The reason for this is that when you make it perfectly in tune it blends into the drones too perfectly and the High A disappears. When it's slightly flat, it projects more nicely and you can hear the lovely texture of the High A. Most top pipers love their High A when it really sings out, and to do that make it very slightly flat.
Great video thanks. May I ask about your High A reading, should it have lined up with the others or did you want it like that? My Reed did the same thing last week. Everything in the middle except High A. Thankyou
Great question! I should mentioned that... yes I like High A to be flatter than what the tuner shows as "in tune." The reason for this is that when you make it perfectly in tune it blends into the drones too perfectly and the High A disappears. When it's slightly flat, it projects more nicely and you can hear the lovely texture of the High A. Most top pipers love their High A when it really sings out, and to do that make it very slightly flat.
You start to adjust the tape on the chanter after just 2 minuttes of playing. At that time the chanter reed or the drone reeds are not even starting to warm up,- is this to make it sound better from the start? And then just follow the temperature of the reeds during the tuning process?
Yes. You can play longer to let things warm up, but in this case I was pretty much starting from scratch with this reed in this chanter so there was a lot to do and so I just got things started. Another video I could make would be how to tune when your pipes are already set up and pretty well tuned from your previous practice session. In that scenario, it would sound a lot better "right out of the box" and I would definitely warm the pipes up more before adjusting tape. Great question! Thanks @hfrank07
Hi I'm a novice at playing the GHB. I wonder what you think about the following situation: I found a reed and a position of the reed in the chanter which makes all notes almost perfectly correct. Since I will have to play at a 440 together with other instruments only problem that remains is that it tunes in at about 445 Hertz at 24 degrees Celsius. Now my plan is: keep that reed to play at cool temperatures with a minimum amount of tape and get one of the other reeds to play a bit lower so it fits 440 at 20 22 24 degrees. Perhaps even a third reed and reed position for 28 degrees. Is this a reasonable thing to do? I did play some continental bagpipes before and so this procedure of tuning the pipes this way or that way before every concert is kind of repulsive to me because the main reason for detuning the pipes anew is temperature, anyway. I don't want to tune the pipes drastically everytime just because of the weather. [...and oftentimes I will not have the possibility of tuning in such a way because of limited backstage space and not annoying my bandmates 😅]
@bagpipelessons Mc Callum polypenco key of A - Sheperd Bb reeds. I play it plugged into a german 'Marktsack' which has a drone reed made by Arno Eckhardt, he built a few dozend german 'Marktsack' pseudo-medieval pipes around 2010. It has only one bass drone but it is not stopped like on the GHB so it is quite noisy which makes partly up for the lack of tenor drones.
Download My Free Guide: How to Get a World Class Bagpipe Sound link.bagpipelessons.com/worldclasssound
In this video, I'll walk you through tuning your bagpipes efficiently and precisely with the help of some unique tools. Using my InTune Mic™, the Braw Tuner, and the Piper's Advantage Phone Mount, I'll show you the complete tuning process step-by-step. You’ll get to see my setup in action, including a time-lapse of the entire process from start to finish, and learn the exact techniques and tools I rely on for fast, consistent, and accurate tuning.
Tuning bagpipes can be challenging, but with the right approach and equipment, you can achieve a perfectly tuned sound. Throughout this video, I’ll explain how to warm up your pipes, adjust your drones and chanter, and make fine-tuning adjustments using tape and mic placement. By the end, you’ll know how to achieve an incredible, professional sound and feel confident in your setup, whether you’re preparing for a solo performance or playing with a band.
If you’re ready to tune your pipes like a pro, the InTune Mic™ and Braw Tuner can be game-changers, helping you stay pitch-perfect in any setting. Let's dive in and make your bagpipe tuning faster, easier, and more precise than ever.
InTune Mic: intunemic.com
Discover the ultra-compact, superlight wireless microphone that's changing the game for pipers. Compatible with iPhones, Android phones, iPads, and computers.
Piper's Advantage™ Bagpipe Phone Mount: bagpipelessons.com/phonemount/
Enhance your tuning experience with this essential accessory. Available at a 50% off when you bundle with the InTune Mic.
Braw Tuner App: bagpipelessons.com/tuner
My go-to tuner app, designed specifically for bagpipes. It's simple, innovative, and incredibly effective. Download it here: Braw Tuner.
Keep In Touch:
Join my email list: bagpipelessons.com/join/
Facebook: facebook.com/bagpipelessons
Instagram: instagram.com/bagpipelessons
Subscribe to BagpipeLessons.com on UA-cam: ua-cam.com/users/bagpipelessons
Join my Inner Circle: bagpipelessons.com/membership
The BagpipeLessons.com Inner Circle is an exclusive membership that provides pipers with unparalleled access to top-tier instruction, my entire lesson library, and weekly live Zoom classes. Perfect for pipers looking to take their skills to the next level!
Get My Bagpipe Essentials Masterclass: bagpipelessons.com/masterclass
This step-by-step video course covers essential bagpipe fingering techniques. With 31 high-quality, detailed videos, you'll master everything from basic scales to advanced embellishments.
Useful Links:
BagpipeLessons.com Shop: bagpipelessons.com/shop
Learn More: bagpipelessons.com/learn
Inner Circle Membership: bagpipelessons.com/membership
Bagpipe Essentials Masterclass: bagpipelessons.com/masterclass
Video Chapters:
00:01 Introduction to Bagpipe Tuning
00:32 Tools for Perfect Tuning
01:45 Time-Lapse of the Complete Tuning Process
08:45 Tuning Tools: InTune Mic, Braw Tuner, Piper’s Advantage Phone Mount
10:21 Drones and Chanter Tuning Process
11:56 Step-by-Step Tuning Walkthrough
13:43 Tips for Fine-Tuning Your Ear and Using the Tuner
14:39 Adjusting Chanter Position and Fine-Tuning Individual Notes with Tape
17:15 Final Drone and Chanter Adjustments
18:59 Checking for Consistency and Sound Quality
19:48 Final Tuning Tips for Performance
Remember to subscribe and click the notification bell for more invaluable tips and lessons. Your support means the world to us-it helps us bring more great content to bagpipers worldwide.
Happy Piping!
Hello, sir? I’m a dedicated follower of your UA-cam channel and just wanted to say that I appreciate how informative and well-thought-out your videos are. Wishing you continued success
Thank you for making this, I could never find a great video using the Braw tuner with in tune mic.
I’m actually looking forward to really dive in and use them now, even though I’ve had them for quite a while
I'm glad you found this video helpful. I do have a few others on my channel about how to tune with the InTune Mic.
ua-cam.com/video/hVAaQeRSJPQ/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/O78whjE5OOg/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/MdI2Ria8kZE/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/IFYu2iO0m1w/v-deo.html
Spot on sound. A great video as usual, but I noticed that you keep High A well low of the mark. I keep my High A a bit low so I can blow slightly up to what I feel is my perfect note not too high but your's made me fell it was too low. Individual taste?
Great question! I should mentioned that... yes I like High A to be flatter than what the tuner shows as "in tune." The reason for this is that when you make it perfectly in tune it blends into the drones too perfectly and the High A disappears. When it's slightly flat, it projects more nicely and you can hear the lovely texture of the High A. Most top pipers love their High A when it really sings out, and to do that make it very slightly flat.
Great video thanks. May I ask about your High A reading, should it have lined up with the others or did you want it like that? My Reed did the same thing last week. Everything in the middle except High A. Thankyou
Great question! I should mentioned that... yes I like High A to be flatter than what the tuner shows as "in tune." The reason for this is that when you make it perfectly in tune it blends into the drones too perfectly and the High A disappears. When it's slightly flat, it projects more nicely and you can hear the lovely texture of the High A. Most top pipers love their High A when it really sings out, and to do that make it very slightly flat.
@ thanks so much, I didn't know that:)
You start to adjust the tape on the chanter after just 2 minuttes of playing. At that time the chanter reed or the drone reeds are not even starting to warm up,- is this to make it sound better from the start? And then just follow the temperature of the reeds during the tuning process?
Yes. You can play longer to let things warm up, but in this case I was pretty much starting from scratch with this reed in this chanter so there was a lot to do and so I just got things started. Another video I could make would be how to tune when your pipes are already set up and pretty well tuned from your previous practice session. In that scenario, it would sound a lot better "right out of the box" and I would definitely warm the pipes up more before adjusting tape. Great question! Thanks @hfrank07
Hi
I'm a novice at playing the GHB. I wonder what you think about the following situation: I found a reed and a position of the reed in the chanter which makes all notes almost perfectly correct. Since I will have to play at a 440 together with other instruments only problem that remains is that it tunes in at about 445 Hertz at 24 degrees Celsius. Now my plan is: keep that reed to play at cool temperatures with a minimum amount of tape and get one of the other reeds to play a bit lower so it fits 440 at 20 22 24 degrees. Perhaps even a third reed and reed position for 28 degrees.
Is this a reasonable thing to do?
I did play some continental bagpipes before and so this procedure of tuning the pipes this way or that way before every concert is kind of repulsive to me because the main reason for detuning the pipes anew is temperature, anyway. I don't want to tune the pipes drastically everytime just because of the weather. [...and oftentimes I will not have the possibility of tuning in such a way because of limited backstage space and not annoying my bandmates 😅]
That is a very creative solution which I haven't heard of before! What chanter and drone reeds are you using to get a pitch of A=440?
@bagpipelessons Mc Callum polypenco key of A - Sheperd Bb reeds. I play it plugged into a german 'Marktsack' which has a drone reed made by Arno Eckhardt, he built a few dozend german 'Marktsack' pseudo-medieval pipes around 2010. It has only one bass drone but it is not stopped like on the GHB so it is quite noisy which makes partly up for the lack of tenor drones.