Tuning pin hemp leak
 

I've had this problem since I started to use pre waxed black hemp. One of the tenors became unefficient. So corked off the top of the drone , and tried to suck in at the reed seat to create a vaccum , which could prove the airtightness. The other two drones passed , but this one wasn't really on the top. So changed the hemp to yellow waxed and unwaxed , just to see if it makes difference. And right after it , it was great for about a week , than it bedded down , tried to add some hemp , which should sort out the problem in most cases , but my "hiss" came back. Now I'm a bit clueless , checked out the drone parts in and out , no cracks , and individually the parts are airtight. I also made sure that I apply the hemp evenly , but the problem still remains. My set is quite new , was made around 2010 , well maintained , annually oiled with R.G Hardie BW oil , so you cannot say that my vintage bagpipes have some untrue chambers , and need to be trued up , so no , that is not the case. I'm just looking for some good advices from experienced pipers , pipe makers , repairers , or people who had a similar problem.

Re: Tuning pin hemp leak
 

Is there a metal cap with an ‘ ivory’ bushing? There is ( on my ‘70’s Hardie FS pipes) a tight fit wood disc holding the Bush in place which also seals the top of the bell...under the decorative silver cap.
I finally figured out that’s where my leak was...around the edge of the bush shoulder under the cap ..leaking between the bush and the wood where there should have been glue.

Maybe it’s not the pin at all.

Re: Tuning pin hemp leak
 

...maybe a bit of a rush to judgement I think....the OP has been at pipes only a relative short while ...it’s all part of the learning curve...; I’m doubtful this leak is an insurmountable issue that can’t be resolved after a few experienced local piping chums take a look.

Re: Tuning pin hemp leak
 

I still have the dealer receipt , and I got a 5 year manufacturer warranty for this set. So wouldn’t be expensive at all , just need to get down to Glasgow , which isn’t that cheap.

Re: Tuning pin hemp leak
 

You know , I have tested the tenor tuning part , and it is airtight , individually.
It is not the Bush , but that could be solved with some oil or Cork grease. It is the chamber allowing air to pass trough the meeting of the hemp and the bore.

Re: Tuning pin hemp leak
 

..or ptf tape ...the tape of champions.....

Re: Tuning pin hemp leak
 

This is an incorrect assumption. New wood will move *more* than old wood, and it is quite normal for the tuning chambers to become untrue. Fixing them is a few minutes work for a pipemaker.

Re: Tuning pin hemp leak
 

Yeah,...sharing your leak issue with your local piping chums 'eyes on' might come up with something less extreme than the expense and lost time of shipping the set back to RGH straight away. Even if beyond the 5 yr warranty I'd be surprised if they didn't true them up ,...if needed..,at no cost other than return shipping.