Bagpipe Parts: Here is How to Assemble the Parts of a Bagpipe
Bagpipe parts should be assembled the following way.
This is a step-by-step tutorial for assembling and using the parts of a bagpipe.
1. Remove the covering (tartan bag) if there is one fitted
Remove the chanter and Grip it by the Boss ( the end that has hemp whipping).
Take off the blowpipe and the drones.
2. Season the bagpipes
To do this, you’ll have to seal the bag before you use it.
Next, you’ll plug the stocks with corks.
Don’t plug the blowpipe.
You can also use rags or a damp piece of newsprint.
Remove the blowpipe and put the seasoning into the blowpipe.
Replace the blowpipe.
Blow it a bit and work the seasoning into the pipe.
This is especially important for the seams.
When you’ve fully seasoned your bagpipes, drain the seasoning out and allow the bag to drain by hanging it up.
Wipe it down from the stocks.
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3. Put the bag back into its cover
Ensure that the blow stick fits with the leather flap-type valve that might be tied down with a piece of hemp.
Be sure that you cut the hemp so that you can open it.
Some models have a synthetic flap made of a synthetic film that requires no additional attention.
4. Make sure to fit the pipe and assemble the drones
Then fit these back into the stocks.
Be sure that the tuning slides don’t cross over into the stocks.
They should point up.
5. Now, you’ll fit the cords and the tassels over the drones and hold them approximately 15 cm or six inches apart
If it’s a miniature set, it should be half of this.
The rubberized rings may begin to deteriorate after a few years, and you may have to replace them with some sewing.
6. Remove the chanter and be sure that you fit the reed in firmly
Sometimes, this hole may become too narrow.
It can easily be enlarged with a small twist drill.
If it’s too loose, you can whip the reed with some hemp.
7. Fit a smaller drone reed into the tenor drones
Place the reed into your mouth with a reed tongue, so it’s free to move.
Blow on it. If the reed doesn’t have any sound, bend it away from the reed body and hold it until it stays open a bit.
If it’s too brittle, it may break, do this with caution to avoid breakage.
Many pipers will use head hair and jam it at the fixed end of the reed tongue.
When you have it playing correctly, go ahead and replace it with the stock.
8. Repeat this for a tenor drone
9. Repeat this for a bass drone but ensure that it’s one octave beneath the tenor
10. Place the bag underneath your left elbow, and the drones should be over your left shoulder
Be sure to support the bag with your left hand but make sure not to squeeze it.
Blow gently into the mouthpiece and inflate the bag with zero pressure while you’re covering the top holes on the front and the back of the bag with your left hand.
Thump the bag gently while you blow into it.
11. When playing the chanter, some of the drones may play as well
Silence them by touching the holes with your fingers.
12. Tune the secondary tenor drone so that it’s tuned with the first one
13. Beginners may have a hard time with all four reeds playing
Silence them if need be.
