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SETTING UP THE BAGPIPE

PART 3

Test Blow Bagpipe complete.Fine tune drones

to low A and High A

It is easier to “set up your bagpipes” by firstsetting and testing the individual components.

“first the drones with drone reeds” “then the chanter with chanter reed”

Set drones without chanter(steps 1-3 )

Fitting and testing the pipe reed(steps 4- 7)

1.

2.

3.

4. FINALLYEither manually or with a tuner check chanter tuning

(page 1 - 2) part 3

PRACTICAL BAGPIPE TUNING

R T SHEPHERD & SON ( SCOTLAND) LTD

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Using the Shepherd SM 90 Drone After manufacture the SM90 drone reeds are tested and set to tune at around 449 Hzwith (1-1.5) lb /squ.in. This should enable you to achieve an Initial Setting of yourBagpipe drones to assist easier tuning and set up.

STEP 1 On Receipt of your drone reeds

STEP 2 Set the Length of your tenor drones

.

Remove from box and fit carefully into your drone,it may be necessary to either remove or add hempto suit your reed seat

The approximate length should be 41 cms.The bass drone will be tuned to the tenor drones,but an approximate position to bring you close totuning would be two finger spacing on the pin atthe bottom joint, and three at the top.

41 cms.

R T SHEPHERD & SON (SCOTLAND) LTD

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STEP 3 Remove the Chanter and Cork the Stock

Blow the pipes without the chanter at your normal pressure with all three drones sounding and fine tune.The drones should tune at around 449Hz.( 475Hz on AT-2B)

THERE SHOULD BE NO NEED TO MOVE THE BRIDLEOR TUNING PIN ON THE DRONE REED

In extreme circumstances if a drone stops slightly flick the blade

STEP 4 Fitting the Shepherd Pipe Reed to Chanter

Before blowing always manipulate and squeeze the tips, (Do not moisten)

Ensure the reed is inserted firmly into the reed seat. Always grasp the reed between thumband forefinger on the staple area

STEP 5 Check the Reed for Balance (low A-high A)

Moth blow continuously low A and high A, if you are using a Shepherd Chanterbe assured that these notes were tested and balanced before leaving our workshop.if you fail to have success at this stage try following the basic rules illustratedbefore employing STEPS 6 and 7

SymptomSharp

SymptomFlat

Raise inchanter

Lower inchanter

NOTE, if you make this adjustmentThe High“A” will alter more dramatically than the “Low A”

R T SHEPHERD & SON (SCOTLAND) LTD

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STEP 6 Check the Reed for Strength

Mouthblow continuously on lowA, C, E, highA, E, F,High G, High AIf you fail to produce the second High A at the samepitch as the first High A,You could conclude that the reedstrength is on the strong side for you, therefore go toSTEP 7

STEP 7 Adjusting the Shepherd Pipe Reed

To raise the pitch and make the reed easier, give a “hefty” squeeze as shown.

If the reed is proving difficult to react to the squeezing at this position, Slightlylower the squeeze position closer to the staple.

After raising the pitch you will probably have to reset as in step 2 to achieve the “A” octave

As a guide to help you manipulate and test your pipe reed FORstrength and tuning

Study our Pipe Reed Manipulation Leaflet.

R T SHEPHERD & SON ( SCOTLAND) LTD