New player help

[pchandler]

I'm having some trouble with the practice chanter. After afew notes, and I know it isn't the chanter it's me, I start getting this garling type sound. I'm having problems maintaining my breath while I play, at what point should I take a breath between notes?

[Bagpiper]

Congratulations on your new chanter.

Besides playing technique issues, there could be several things that may be happening.


Bad Reed - Replace
Reed tough to Play - Adjust (have someone that knows what they are doing)
Saliva Built Up - Dissemble chanter and shake out saliva.


I also answered your other post.

Good Luck.

[pchandler]

Unfortunetly I havent been able to find anyone who plays let alone teaches the bagpipe in Oklahoma, not to mention I'm getting deployed to Iraq soon.


Side note: Would wet hemp have any affect on the sound? Also, when I'm not playing should I leave the chanter in the case or leave it out to dry?

[Bagpiper]

Hello,

There is one band in Oklahama that is listed in our directory, the Abroath Pipe Band (http://www.arbroathband.com/).

If you have a two piece plastic chanter, then you should properly store your chanter after playing. All you need to do is separate the top and bottom parts of the chanter and shake out the extra saliva if you just played. Next store the chanter reed inside the mouth piece and secure by placing a rubber stopper inside the bottom of the mouthpiece. If you don't have one, they can be ordered from any pipe shop or just try your local hardware or home brew shop.

With the chanter separated the excess moisture on the hemp area of the bottom half the chanter will have a chance to air dry. I never had my plastic chanter in a case, unless I through it in the pipe case on the way to band practice.

Wet hemp will not effect the sound of the chanter reed, but it could be a sign that you accumulate a significant amount of salvia while playing. Excess moisture will just clog everything up. Practice chanter reeds are usually plastic, so just shake it out and it will be ready to play again.

Good Luck, God Bless and Stay Safe in Iraq