1950's Robertsons

[Patrick McLaurin]

I was able to borrow a friend's Robertsons to play test (as Matt Willis would call it) with Ackland reeds. My friend left his fiberglass tongued Robertson Rockets in there for me and someone else via email inquired about how original Kinnairds played in Robertsons, so I recorded all three.

And for a couple of days, I'll let y'all guess which is which: Ackland, Kinnaird, and Rocket (listed alphabetically though presented below in no particular order). More details on the blog, excuse the excessive tempo in the reel. I've taken to not gaf.

I start with my back to the mic for the first time through through the slow air (Fair Maid of Barra), then spend the second time through rotating 360 degrees around. During the reel the mic ends up in the “corner” between my chanter and drones off on the left side.

Sample 1

Sample 2

Sample 3

[tanks hobyman]

Sample 1: Rockets

Sample 2: Aucklands

Sample 3: Kinnairds

Nice setting of the Fair Maid Of Barra.

[EquusRacer]

Hell if I know, so my guess is:

1: Rockets

2: Kinnairds

3: Aucklands

Regardless, I liked the sound of the first set.

[Green Piper]

Well I plugged my glass fiber rockets into my Robertson tenors. So, I’d say:

1. Ackland
2. Rockets
3. Kinnaird

I have tried Ackland’s in my Robertsons. They’re bold and buzzy’ish. However, cannot get the middle drone to tap off and stay off, no matter how I set the bridle. My glass fiber rockets have some buzz, not as much as the Ackland’s. I have Kinnairds, but not used them for years.

No matter what though, I still seem to keep returning to Ezee tenors as they have a subtle ring to them and are amazingly steady.

[William McKenzie]

Oof, I have to say rotating and going to corners makes this a rough comparison for me with reflections and many variables.

Having said that-

#1 - Rockets
#2 - Ackland
#3 - Kinnaird Originals

[Patrick McLaurin]

Originally Posted by William McKenzie

Oof, I have to say rotating and going to corners makes this a rough comparison for me with reflections and many variables.

The mic is not in a physical corner. If you imagine my body as a square, the mic ended up in a corner: front left, between chanter and drones, about 6 feet off.

[Patrick McLaurin]

tanks and William nailed it.

Rockets were already in the pipe.

Then swapped in Acklands.

Then remembered I needed to try original Kinnairds by request.

1. Rocket
2. Ackland
3. Kinnaird Genesis - not evolution or edge

[John Dally]

VERY interesting. I had no idea which was which, but the second recording sounded like the sort of tone I'm looking for. All three samples are very pleasing, but I just prefer number 2. It's really difficult to get the sound of pipes recorded well and the internet/computer speakers only offer a shaving off the block. You did a great job, Patrick. Thank you very much.

[Green Piper]

Patrick,

Please grab a recording of Ezee tenors and Kinnaird bass if you can. It’d be good to see how other folk feel about that combo.

Charlie

[Mac an t-Sealgair]

Thanks Patrick, always enjoy this type of thing! And a lovely tune too.

I didn't comment as I'm not au fait with any of the reed makes, but I'd like to hear other combos too.