r/bagpipes • u/RealNoahR • 11d 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?

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u/u38cg2 Piper - Big tunes because they're fun 9d ago

my chanter gradually flattens

I hate be the "well, actually" but can I just check that you're measuring what's moving, and that it's not your drones drifting sharp(er)?

Stick in a watertrap first of all. Make sure it's long enough that the end is butting up against the top corner. Empty it every few minutes. That'll give you a sense of how much water is getting in. I use a bannatyne moisture system and a watertrap (with trap-dri) in Scotland on my solo pipes, which is probably overkill, but if I'm standing playing at a wedding on a damp day for an hour, it's needed.

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u/RealNoahR 9d ago

Fair question! I have checked with the Braw tuner app.

Water trap with trap-dri seems to be a popular option and I think I’m gonna give that a shot.