My Number 1 Solution For A Tough Bagpipe Reed! (And What to watch out for)

[@spookster8477]

I can’t tell you how much this helped me, I just got my bags in October and I play easy/medium resistant reed and mine broke so I ordered a new one and I could not play for the life of me now I can do my scale without it cutting out thank you so much

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Great to hear!! Keep on piping on 😀 More Beginner Bapiping resources at my site: www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@glenkiely4182]

A ball-tearer of a tip! Tried the squeeze & lick on a really stubborn reed which I have been trying to break in for 4 weeks. Could not believe how easy it was after that. Had a solid half hour session straight away. Thanks mate.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

That’s Great Glen!! 👏👏 Keep in mind your reed may not need this trick every time, as it will start to ease up over multiple sessions 👌 happy piping 😀

[@Wuestenfuchs110]

As a Beginner - Thank you so much!!! Wasnt able to get even one e-note. Greetings from Germany!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You can do it! More video tutorials at my site! Happy piping 😀www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@MohawkMan626]

This single video helped me enough that I had to subscribe. Thank you.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks for the sub! Glad to hear this video helped you out Carson :)

[@nicolea2839]

I think the Tam O’ Shanter really helps!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

haha! it sure does Nicole, it sure does! Thanks for watching :)

[@Jayy8Bit]

Great tip! Can't wait to try it out! Beginner question. Does the size of the practice chanter matter? I bought a Dunbar standard length practice chanter, and I must just have tiny hands, because I cannot for the life of me find a comfortable way to hold it and my pinkies reach. I was thinking of buying a smaller one, but will it change anything? Just looking for tips or recommendations.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Good question Jay. A standard length or a long length both have the same finger spacing and the same pitch. The only smaller option would be a child's size which I would not recommend as this would only be setting you up for failure when your goal is to get to a bagpipe chanter. Finding the holes, especially with the bottom pinky is the biggest challenge at first. Stick with it! Your finger coordination, strength, flexibility, and motor memory really do change over a matter of 6-12 weeks. I do have a free video on helpful tips for holding and placing your fingers to make this learning challenge feel more doable. Check out the link and keep on piping on! 😀 bit.ly/Beginner-Bagpiping-Workshop

[@Jayy8Bit]

@@GetBagpipeReady Thank you!

[@theonefrancis696]

Wish I had found this video earlier :D brand new reed needed a hell of a squeeze, this literally helped.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

glad this helped! 😀

[@albony3012]

Thanks so much for this video, it finally ended the struggle for me!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

I'm so glad! For more beginner bagpipe resources check out my site! Happy piping :) www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@pemacal57]

Right! I use to wet like you are doing before my daily training….I use David Chesney “medium” strength level and sometimes are a bit strong

[@GetBagpipeReady]

That’s great Pedro 👍

[@oliverliaback9550]

That was a game changer. Thanks a lot

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad it helped, Oliver!

[@fordo1960]

Hey, Alec. I would be interested in your link. Your videos are excellent! Even for a more experienced piper like I am. Please share your link with me. Thanks.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Great to here and thanks for checking out my videos! www.getbagpipeready.com/bagpipeservices

[@romashkee]

I hope it will help me :) I just bought my first practise chanter with new reed and that is terrible :) Thanks

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Hi Alex, The tips in the video are for a bagpipe chanter reed... for practice chanter reeds, a dental elastic around the reed can make it easier to blow. The quality of the practice chanter matters. A practice chanter with a reed from a bagpipe supply store will be around $100. Unfortunately, if you have purchased one cheaper off Amazon for cheaper, the quality will be poor. I hope this helps you out!

[@romashkee]

@@GetBagpipeReady thanks I bought it in West Edmonton Mall, at Celtic Geek store

[@romashkee]

@@GetBagpipeReady thanks I bought it in West Edmonton Mall, at Celtic Geek store

[@romashkee]

Stills doesn’t work good :) Don’t make my mistake and don’t buy cheapest ones

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Nuts! Better luck on the next one! Before buying a whole new chanter, you may try buying a new reed instead.

[@saxmansnyder]

I may be interested in your program

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Wonderful!!! More details at my site. Let me know if you have any questions. Until then Keep on piping on 😀 www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@mryou3720]

Thanks for the tips mate

[@GetBagpipeReady]

No problem 👍 Thanks for Tuning in Mr You!!

[@dane5896]

I keep cutting out on the low hand, like you said. It's driving me nuts. 😵😢

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You can do it, Dan! Just getting time on pipes is a win!

[@helgearnewinkelbauer9798]

Hi there thanks for the tip. I've tried it and with my new reed and it worked, but only until the next time I played. I did this 3 or 4 times and it always got harder (and too flat for my band) again. I had to squeeze the staple together for more permanent reed weakening (and sharpening). Did this happen to anyone else?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Hi Helge! Glad you tried it and got at least a bit of success. A dental elastic around the reed could also be another option for you. For sure you are not alone in messing about with reeds! In fact, that's what I'm up to this afternoon too haha :) Feel free to join my FREE FB group if you'd like to connect with other pipers. Here's the link: facebook.com/groups/getbagpipeready

[@Themorello91]

Thank you for that video! :)

[@GetBagpipeReady]

My pleasure!

[@Themorello91]

@@GetBagpipeReady with that video You made my bagpipes work! I've got problem with my chanter reed, it sound only on high pressure, now i can blow it without lungs on fire :)

[@GetBagpipeReady]

haha good to hear!!!

[@BiscuitandShelby]

I've tried this technique before and I am still struggling. Been trying to get the bag going for 4 or so months. Any recommendations for the type of reed. Soft or medium?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

I’d recommend a soft reed. Also, start out with having your drones corked will help!

[@BiscuitandShelby]

@@GetBagpipeReady thanks!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Good luck 😉

[@Pay-the-Piper]

Thanks ❤

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You're welcome 😊 Thanks!!! I'm excited for your piping journey! More video tutorials at my site! Happy piping 😀 www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@mrmuggumsiue7341]

Thanks so much

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You're welcome! 😀 thanks for tuning in!

[@mrmuggumsiue7341]

Always

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

my drones keep shutting down, what could be the reason for that? Do I blow too hard?

[@StratCat5282]

You can adjust the bridle on the reed to fix this. If it is shutting down, the reed is not getting enough air. Move the bridle to open the tongue for more air flow. Move it ever so slightly so you can barely see it move. Hope that helps!

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

@@StratCat5282 thanks! Will try that tonight,

[@GetBagpipeReady]

great advice Rich!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

I hope adjusting the bridle solves the problem for you Jason!

[@philliplozano7326]

Great-day in the mornin' to you my kind Sir, I am a beginner and I have a practice chanter but when I blow through all I've gotten is a vibrating sound from time to time and I use synthetic(plastic) reeds, would it be best to use cane reeds for a better sound?? Thank You for your assistance and God Bless..

[@GetBagpipeReady]

It could be your are just not blowing hard enough to get a good tone. Something else that could be a factor is the quality of your chanter depending on where you purchased it. Unfortunately if you purchase a $20 practice chanter, made in Pakistan, from Amazon, it's not any good! Any Bagpipe supply store online with customer service can sell you a Sheppard, Mcallum, RG Hardie, or Walsh practice chanter for $100 to $120. Another option is you can get a $50 chanter from my friend Davey, made in the USA! Use the coupon code GETBAGPIPE5 to get 5% off and another 5% will go to the African Blackwood conservation Project! His chanters sound great and are a lot cheaper which helps if you are on a budget or saving up for a set of pipes! www.3dprintedbagpipes.com/product-page/long-practice-chanter

[@piperian3962]

A little squeeze and wet it.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You've got it!

[@piperian3962]

@@GetBagpipeReady learned that from Colin Armstrong from LA Scots.