Smallpipe reed question

Swepiper · 01-07-2019, 04:32 AM

I just aquired a second hand MacCallum plastic smallpipe chanter and I'd like to put it to use by sticking it on my practice goose and maybe do some quick and dirty session playing in smaller settings. The thing didn't come with a reed however. What would be the easiest (and cheapest) way to reed the chanter?

I'm assuming a proper cane smallpipe chanter reed will be too temperamental to use in a mouth blown goose, am I correct? What would be a good synthetic alternative?

I do have an Abbott PC-reed which to my ear gives a good enough tone, but its way to low in pitch, around 211 Hz for low A, and I really want to get to concert pitch 220 Hz. I can't sink the reed any further as the staple is too long. Would it be possible to modify this into a functioning reed by shortening the staple, or is there any other modification that would work better, e.g. shortening the reed blades?

Much obliged for any help. Cheers!

DapperDan · 01-07-2019, 05:42 AM

I don't have experience with this particular instrument, but it's a common one, so it should be easy to find a reed. If you check an online vendor like Henderson Imports, they list compatability for some of the smallpipe reeds they stock.
Or, you could just email McCallum. They're very friendly and would definitely tell you what reeds they think work best and may be willing to send you a reed directly.

Good luck

zarb · 01-07-2019, 10:31 AM

You could always shorten any of the plastic widebody pc reeds and drive the pitch up a bit. It takes a pair of scissors and the willingness to risk $15. Often a little judicious sanding of the top third will solve any playability issues that shortening the reed by a 32" at a time.

Swepiper · 01-07-2019, 02:09 PM

Thanks for the tips. I'll get to work on a PC-reed since I have a couple to spare.

David D. · 01-07-2019, 09:48 PM

Michael Macharg who owns the Wee Piper makes plastic reeds for smallpipes.

You might also have luck contacting Seth Hamon.

Steve Bliven · 01-08-2019, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David D.

Michael Macharg who owns the Wee Piper makes plastic reeds for smallpipes.

And if'n you're inclined to try it yourself using Michael's methodology, here's an article from some years back about how he goes about it http://pipersgathering.org/apna_old/?page_id=1557 (scroll down to page 43) Or went about it way back then....

Best wishes.

Steve

01-07-2019, 04:32 AM	#1
Swepiper Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sweden Posts: 62	Smallpipe reed question I just aquired a second hand MacCallum plastic smallpipe chanter and I'd like to put it to use by sticking it on my practice goose and maybe do some quick and dirty session playing in smaller settings. The thing didn't come with a reed however. What would be the easiest (and cheapest) way to reed the chanter? I'm assuming a proper cane smallpipe chanter reed will be too temperamental to use in a mouth blown goose, am I correct? What would be a good synthetic alternative? I do have an Abbott PC-reed which to my ear gives a good enough tone, but its way to low in pitch, around 211 Hz for low A, and I really want to get to concert pitch 220 Hz. I can't sink the reed any further as the staple is too long. Would it be possible to modify this into a functioning reed by shortening the staple, or is there any other modification that would work better, e.g. shortening the reed blades? Much obliged for any help. Cheers! __________________ How do you do! Do you do the darado?

01-07-2019, 05:42 AM	#2
DapperDan Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 97	Re: Smallpipe reed question I don't have experience with this particular instrument, but it's a common one, so it should be easy to find a reed. If you check an online vendor like Henderson Imports, they list compatability for some of the smallpipe reeds they stock. Or, you could just email McCallum. They're very friendly and would definitely tell you what reeds they think work best and may be willing to send you a reed directly. Good luck

01-07-2019, 10:31 AM	#3
zarb Forum Gold Medal Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 575	Re: Smallpipe reed question You could always shorten any of the plastic widebody pc reeds and drive the pitch up a bit. It takes a pair of scissors and the willingness to risk $15. Often a little judicious sanding of the top third will solve any playability issues that shortening the reed by a 32" at a time. __________________ The older I get, the more certain I am, that everything should be made from blackwood, beeswax, reeds, shellac and bits of string...

01-07-2019, 02:09 PM	#4
Swepiper Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sweden Posts: 62	Re: Smallpipe reed question Thanks for the tips. I'll get to work on a PC-reed since I have a couple to spare. __________________ How do you do! Do you do the darado?

01-07-2019, 09:48 PM	#5
David D. Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wisconsin, U.S.A. Posts: 193	Re: Smallpipe reed question Michael Macharg who owns the Wee Piper makes plastic reeds for smallpipes. You might also have luck contacting Seth Hamon. __________________ David