Chanter Reeds

Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 12 May 2004

Double tone on F This is very often caused by the mouth size of the reed being either too large or too small. By mouth of the reed I mean the tips of the cane looking down on the reed. After time you will get an idea of the ideal mouth size and should be able to tell just by looking at the reed. A mouth that is too large can be pinched by applying gentle pressure with pliers at the top of the staple or by squeezing the blades together with thumb and forefinger. A mouth that is too small will have to be enlarged with a mandrel. Flat F This can be caused by either the mouth of the reed being too large or the reed being too long. If the latter is the case the reed will need to be shortened with a chisel. The reed will stiffen with shortening and may need to be eased to enable it to vibrate efficiently and be of the correct strength.  Sharp F This is caused by too much cane on the tongues of the reed or the mouth being too small. If the reed mouth is good it may be too strong or tight and the tongues will therefore need to be lightened. If the mouth is too small it will need to be made larger with a mandrel. Help and advice kindly supplied by Chris Apps

Last Updated ( Monday, 23 May 2005 )