Hollow Mainstock Upgrade - Uilleann Pipes

NEVER ALTER A HISTORIC INSTRUMENT! The video shows a cheap Pakistani concert D mainstock, which has individual sockets for each drone reed. I drill them out to make 1 large common air chamber behind the 3 mounting sockets. This is the original uilleann mainstock construction from the 1700's - 1800's. The common chamber helps the 3 drones hold pitch together better as the bag pressure is changed for playing different parts of the scale, and many pipers feel the drone tone is warmer and possibly stronger in the deep bass pitch. This procedure is moderately difficult, requires a drill press for machining with a vice able to secure a round work piece, well clamped to the drill press We are drilling into hardwood with pre-existing bores, which creates much vibration and risk of damage and injury. Work slowly and very carefully. A bandsaw is best for cutting the end of the stock (a fine hacksaw can substitute with care).