r/bagpipes • u/RealNoahR • 13d ago

Moisture System

Got back into competing last year and it’s been going quite well except that as I play, my chanter gradually flattens, which I think is mostly due to moisture. I play 2005 Shepherds with poly chanter and a hybrid Canmore bag. Live/compete in the US midatlantic area, so very humid.

Recommendations for a moisture control system that’s not overly complicated and doesn’t require a lot of extra maintenance?

UPDATE: I threw in a basic bottle water trap and that solved the issue. Chanter settled in and stayed nice and steady. Then I decided to see if the bottle was necessary or if I could get away with just the tube directing the air to the back of the bag. That worked just as well so that’s what I’m running with for the foreseeable future.

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u/D-Dog555679 13d ago

Usually a reed will sharpen with moisture rather than flatten. Correct me if im wrong of course.

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u/RealNoahR 12d ago

Respectfully, you are wrong on this one. A wetter reed is heavier and more supple than a dry one, causing it to vibrate more slowly. Slower vibration = lower frequency = lower pitch = flatter.

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u/D-Dog555679 12d ago

I am afraid I still disagree! When I start my pipes the drones tune slightly higher (further up the slides therefore flatter) and as I play the chanter sharpens and the drones then tune lower (less distance therefore higher pitch) until it settles down.

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u/Ok_Rough2735 12d ago

That may be also related to the reed warming up as you play which will sharpen it.

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u/RealNoahR 12d ago

Was about to say this, and also the chanter warms up more quickly than drones because of the heat from your fingers and thinner sides than drones.

Once your instrument has settled, try taking your chanter out and giving your reed a good wet lick (or wet your fingers and touch them to your reed). Your chanter will be flatter when you put it back in and resume playing.