COARSE TUNING
1.
Adjust the tuning dial so that the visual indicator is in the middle of its stroke. Do not use the
dial for coarse adjustments.
2.
Set your bagpipe tuner. Remember that if this is a new reed, it will not likely be able to reach a
high pitch like 480 or higher. You will need to find the reed’s sweet spot and play it for a while
before being able to crank it up in pitch.
3.
Insert your chanter reed by turning it ½ a turn into the threaded reed seat. Mouth blow your
chanter to determine roughly where the pitch of your “High A” and “Low A” settles. If your
“High A” is sharper or flatter than your “Low A” make a quick adjustment to the reed based on
the following information:
a.
“High A” too Flat - Sink the reed by turning the reed clockwise in the reed seat. Twist a ¼
turn at a time until it balances with the low A.
b.
“High A” too Sharp - Raise the reed by turning it counter- clockwise, and add hemp as
necessary.
4.
Repeat the above step until your chanter pitch is closely balanced. Do not worry about getting it
perfect during this process as this is only coarse tuning at this point. You will need to install it
into your pipes to really perfect it. Ideally you should have a balanced chanter while the visual
indicator is centered in the slot. This will allow further adjustment when you are playing your
pipes.
FINE TUNING
1.
Carefully insert your new chanter into your pipes and be sure not to damage your reed.
2.
Blow your pipes up and adjust your drones to match your “High A”.
3.
Turn on your tuner to the pitch you have chosen.
5.
Check balance of the chanter by swiftly playing “High A” to “Low A”. Without changing your air
pressure (ie. Blowing or squeezing) while playing one note to another, they should read the
same reference number on your tuner. If your “High A” is sharper or flatter than your “Low A”
make a quick adjustment to the reed by adjusting the tuning dial on the chanter as stated
below:
a.
“High A” too flat – turn the adjusting dial clockwise.
b.
“High A” too sharp - turn the adjusting dial counter-clockwise.
6.
Repeat the above step until your chanter pitch is closely balanced. Keep in mind that as you play
more, your chanter will naturally sharpen in pitch.
7.
Now you may need to use tape to balance certain notes that are too flat or sharp.
a.
Add small amounts of tape to the top of the note hole that is too sharp.
b.
Play your chanter to see how it worked. Further adjustment may be necessary.
Summary of Contents for Tunable Chanter
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