Scraping & Sanding Your Chanter Reed to the Proper Strength - Get Your Chanter Reeds Under Control 2
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Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this video! In part 2 of this series, Matt Willis Bagpiper uses a bit more intensive methods to try and get a ridge-cut chanter reed to the proper strength! Scraping, sanding, and more to get your reed to the proper strength! More on molded or French-cut reeds in an upcoming video!
Supplies in the video:
Sharp knife or small sharp razor
Sandpaper (320 - 600 grit)
Ultimate Reed Poker
Pressure (wiki) Gauge
Tuning Tape
PART 1 (using non destructive methods to ease in reed): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/d5yArKuGx9mZfKc.html
PART 3 (tuning your pipe chanter): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/epaEnc2isLichGg.html
If you enjoy this content, please consider helping support the channel through Matt's Patreon:
Patreon: www.patreon.com/mattpiper
For more information on Matt Willis Bagpiper visit:
Website: www.mattpiper.com
Facebook: matt.piper.willis
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@janicat76 17 күн бұрын
Many years ago I caught my old pipe major doing this very quickly with a pocket knife but wouldn't tell me what he was doing. For some reason he was afraid that if everyone in the band knew about this trick they'd be blowing their reeds out or some such nonsense. But he was notorious for giving us reads that were so hard to blow! I started using a nail file to file down that area... When PM was not looking lol
@WernerMi 4 жыл бұрын
Finally someone who explains how to manipulate a reed 😀
@johnnickpappanastos3382 4 жыл бұрын
Learning to adjust reeds can be costly (time AND money) for newbies, thanks for teaching!
@LesliePiper 4 жыл бұрын
Pity one cannot give a "double" like I've seen this video for, maybe, the third / fourth time and still enjoy, and learn, every minute.
@jeffc5474 3 жыл бұрын
Matt, as a disabled Veteran I’m very glad I found your videos! Thanks much.
@Ofsaintsandsinners 4 жыл бұрын
Excellent Matt... been piping nearly 48 years... and I'm learning new stuff from you around this taboo subject of altering reeds. Awesome. Thanks.
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
Good to hear! I was scared of my reeds for far too long before finally just buying a ton and messing with them until they worked (or were destroyed!)
@Ofsaintsandsinners 4 жыл бұрын
Ditto Matt, but your explanations and demonstrations are invaluable. Thanks and keep up the excellent work.
@AnahPiper 3 жыл бұрын
The line and positioning of the circle was very helpful
@karenmooney8379 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much for this video, Matt--I struggle a lot with my reeds being too choke-y. I use an oboe reed making knife for scraping, but the construction of the bagpipe reed is pretty different from the oboe reed, so I'm still learning.
@micregil 3 жыл бұрын
I'm glad I found your channel, chanter reeds give me fits, I've sure ruined my share by trying to make one easier or sound better. Needless to say, I subscribed, I like your methods of teaching.
@joenelson3475 8 ай бұрын
This was a very common part of bassoon playing that I could never get right in my pre-internet high-school years - I feel like I now know more for the pipes. For scraping, I love the Reed Geek - super control (even has a curved surface) and it's not really a knife, so you can travel with it.
@MattWillisBagpiper 8 ай бұрын
I have one, but I don't find it as useful as a basic razor, at least on bagpipe reeds. But I love my reed geek for my alto sax reeds!
@glenkiely4182 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Matt. I have purchased 2 Hardie Infinity chanters- Poly & ABW. Both arrived with clacker busting reeds. Now to put your tutorial in action! Cheers, Glen.
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
Let us know if you get those reeds in working order!
@DemoDick1 4 жыл бұрын
Perfect timing, since I just got new reeds. Thank you.
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
Make sure you start with the first part, using non-destructive methods to bring in your reed: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/d5yArKuGx9mZfKc.html Cheers!
@DemoDick1 4 жыл бұрын
Matt Willis Bagpiper Will do. Thanks again. Electric bass is my main instrument, so bagpipe maintenance/tuning is kind of a nightmare. I’m convinced that pipes were invented by a masochist. One of the fussiest instruments ever...then I think about Uilleann pipes and shudder (it is fun though 😎).
@HuskReeds 4 жыл бұрын
Matt, nice job on these videos. To avoid getting a crow try scraping the shoulder areas instead of the heart or window area as you call it. Scraping the shoulders on these type of ridge cut reeds (Melvin, Husk, G1, Murray) will only bring the strength down, and it will not change any of the notes or the balance of the reeds. Best of luck.
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
Good to know and thank you!
@loymedic 8 ай бұрын
In Colorado, you hope to just stay at taping half of the high-G… I would be ecstatic to have your problem of covering just a third. No fair!
@jimmclean9312 3 жыл бұрын
An old piper showed me how to fix a high end "crow ". You gently rub the back of your thumbnail across the edge of the reed. Works every time.
@MattWillisBagpiper 3 жыл бұрын
Great tip indeed. Covered that here! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rJ6efpCCt8i3XZs.html
@therearenonamesinthevoid5772 3 жыл бұрын
We need to get you some close up angles, I don't know what you are doing way over there, but it does seem to change the way those reeds function.
@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524 3 жыл бұрын
Having watched my instructor do this, (trying to persuade the armour plated reed my pipes came with to work) it was a bit daunting. This is a superbly clear explanation of the whys and hows. Thank you. Edit: Is that gauge a 0-60” H20? Is there a link to the 3rd part of this series?
@MattWillisBagpiper 3 жыл бұрын
Part 3 is not up yet... long overdue!
@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524 3 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Ah cool. Thank you. Notifications on!
@kerry00 4 жыл бұрын
On SSP, can you explain how to make my eezedrone reeds come in at the same time as my chanter rather than ages before..
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
Given the difference in reeds (single vs. double) I'm not sure there really is a way to have the drone and chanter come on at exactly the same time, at least, not without a switch on the drones mainstock. I try to have the bag about a third of the way filled (or as full as possible without the drones sounding) and then kind of "kick start" the whole thing, drones and chanter at the same time. It's not exactly elegant, but works well enough.
@franktalbot4102 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Matt, I started watching your videos and enjoy them as I try to improve my piping. Good work! I am curious to know where you got your pressure gauge. Thanks.
@MattWillisBagpiper 2 жыл бұрын
appsreeds.com/products/reed-pressure-gauge
@franktalbot4102 2 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank you for your prompt response.
@gt350kr 3 жыл бұрын
For anyone wanting to use a Pringle pressure tester, BE CAREFUL! I ruined 3 reeds after using my Pringle pressure tester before I figured out that the manufacturer put the nipple of the gauge down so deep in the chamber that it tore up 3 new reeds . Now I only use it with the end socket that came with it where the reed fits in and I won't mount it on the chanter ever again. P.S. I also am now careful putting in the reed so the flat area passes by the nipple threads.
@MattWillisBagpiper 3 жыл бұрын
Pringle tester? That's me! There Salt & Vinegar flavor is my favorite. Wait.. What were we talking about?
@gt350kr 3 жыл бұрын
Hi! Matt. you are really a God send for new and old pipers alike. I learn a lot from your youtube videos. Keep the good work!!! I don't know what brand your reed tester is so I bought a Pringle bagpipe reed tester for my reeds from amazon. I put the reeds in the adaptor several times and they came out undamaged and I found a reed damaged after I put reed in chanter and fastened chanter to reed tester. After 3 destroyed reeds I found out that what caused it, putting the chanter into the reed tester brought the reed to close to nipple threads.
@sluggo562 4 жыл бұрын
When ordering pipes from Henderson, one of the customizations is "reed strength" from beginner to easy and medium. I can't seem to find a guide on specifically what this means, regarding reed shape, tone, pitch, etc. I would assume that beginner is closer to a chanter to ease the progression but personally I'd like to just rip that bandaid off and go. Alternatively, my need for a guide would indicate the beginner reeds would be the best fit, haha.
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
Just about everyone needs an easy reed when they start, unless you are a competitive triathlete or competitive powerlifter/olympic weight lifter. As for what they're measuring, it's the amount of air it takes to make the reed sound, measured in inches of water in a manometer. There are a couple of scales, but the one I use is 27 and below is very easy, 28-32 is easy, 32-36 is medium, and anything above 36 is hard.
@sluggo562 4 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank you for the very prompt and thorough answer. Easy through hard refer to air pressure needed to make the reed sound. Brilliant. It seems so obvious now. Presumably this will influence volume more than tone or pitch. Perhaps influence ones ability to sharply begin and end the drones. I am a rather large man and am no stranger to weightlifting so perhaps a target range of 30-32 as beginner wouldn't be catastrophic. I really like the idea of getting a bit of a workout in wrestling the thing. Thanks again.
@nathanwood3588 4 жыл бұрын
Struggling to find the next video where you finally put the chanter into the pipes and complete the fine tuning, could you please send a link to that specific video? Thank you for your videos, appreciate the time and effort you put in to sharing your knowledge.
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
Have met made that one yet. My first few attempts didn’t work well (technical issues with the microphones and such). I’ll let you know when it’s posted!
@nathanwood3588 4 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper No problems mate. Thank you for the prompt reply. Look forward to watching the video.
@Xxiolies 3 жыл бұрын
I too would like to see a video on altering French cut reeds
@dustineden698 4 жыл бұрын
Hey! What's that device you're using to test the chanter pressure?
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
This is where I got it years ago: appsreeds.com/products/reed-pressure-gauge
@McCarminer 3 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure if I missed it, but could you let me know what all the options are for getting reeds 'right' before you start with carving sanding, poking, etc. I assume moisture is one, and simply playing on it a while is another...what else should we do first?
@MattWillisBagpiper 3 жыл бұрын
If the reed is still harder than you can comfortably play after wetting, poking, and squeezing, it's time to get more aggressive. But always remember, you cannot add cane back to the reed, so once you start sanding/scraping, take as little off at a time as you can.
@McCarminer 3 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Is there a video about poking? I have the proper tool, but want to make sure I know what I'm doing, and what should expect from doing it correctly. Thanks!
@jeremykbolin Жыл бұрын
Hey Matt Maybe I missed it. What grit sandpaper do you like for reeds?
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
Around 300
@elgaitero1 8 ай бұрын
Just came scross this video,..i am curious WHO makes a 45" reed?. You mentioned 'blue binding'...wud that be a Melvin reed? ..a Lee reed?. Adrian Melvin's reed strength chart only goes to 38". Is you manometer accurate?. I've used the same looking one for 10+ yrs ..no problem..and never had a reed much above 32".... Mainly medium Shepherd reeds.
@MattWillisBagpiper 8 ай бұрын
Most likely Melvin reeds. I use them the most (though I have had some Lee & Sons comes through the office here too). And my manometer is pretty accurate (I have two and they read the same, though it's possible they're both off, but I don't think so). And if you've never had a reed much above 32, that's awesome! Most reeds I have come across over the past 25+ years are close to or north of 40 when I start off. When I get a sub 35 reed, I feel like I won the jackpot!
@tfcfan3 4 жыл бұрын
Matt, where did you get your chanter top/gauge?
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
I got it from Chris Apps lover a decade ago. Believe it’s called a wika gauge
@cambridgebagpipes7511 3 жыл бұрын
Here's a link to the website: appsreeds.com/products/reed-pressure-gauge
@MrBrentgoodall 4 жыл бұрын
I was taught never to reduce the circle part of the reed, but rather the area around it and not above.
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
What have your results been shaving around this area? (Seriously curious not judging).
@MrBrentgoodall 4 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper it just reduces the strength without any degradation of sound quality as this is the "voice box" of the reed.
@danielsciacaluga 4 жыл бұрын
What is the tuning software you are using in tablet? Great photo.
@danielsciacaluga 4 жыл бұрын
Video I meant lol.
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
iStoboSoft by Peterson. The iOS version has a GHB setting (has to be purchased). Unfortunately, that's not available for Android.
@danielsciacaluga 4 жыл бұрын
Matt Willis Bagpiper thanks it looks good. I have a terrible ear. I can’t tell if it is sharp or flat, the low a was showing 484 but the high a something like 457? Should it be 484 too for the octave? It’s a brand new Reed. Your video was very helpful. Especially the high g advice
@LesliePiper 4 жыл бұрын
This is getting repetitive! Yet another great video! Thanks.
@Marcblur 2 жыл бұрын
What decibel reading would you get at 38-39" H20?
@MattWillisBagpiper 2 жыл бұрын
Loud? That’s a hard reed!
@Marcblur 2 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Almost as loud as the sound of the internal injuries if I tried playing it.
@domthecrazyfisher9412 3 жыл бұрын
Ok so I did some sanding but now it only let's air out instead of making a noise
@MattWillisBagpiper 3 жыл бұрын
Did you damage the reed while sanding? There's always some risk when sanding or scraping reeds that they might become unplayable...
@therearenonamesinthevoid5772 3 жыл бұрын
I'm maybe 3 weeks into learning the pipes, and I still have not a one single note under my belt. I have tried EVERYTHING that anybody, anywhere has advised me on this subject. Ready to give up, really don't want to, I learn a new instrument every year, self taught for most of them, but this one is going to require guidance.
@MattWillisBagpiper 3 жыл бұрын
Did the "Getting Started with the Practice Chanter" video not help you get a good solid Low G out? I see you already commented on it, so if you haven't watched that one, you should! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oMygmKVotsrFZHk.html
@matthewdenty7760 4 жыл бұрын
Softened a reed playing with a practice chanter ... dosent sound the same in pipe chanter Used pipe chanter for the next reed and sounds good on the bag too ;but, my practice chanter wont play it So I'm guessing practice chanters and pipe chanters are different ?,, an educational "f" up lol..
@MattWillisBagpiper 4 жыл бұрын
Yes, pipe chanter and practice chanter reeds are totally different animals...