Mclaren Synthetic Bagpipe Chanter Reed 13 (Easy)

Re: McLaren synthetic reeds

I realise that most of the posts under this heading ("McLaren synthetic reeds") were written in or around 2012, and it is now 2016, so a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then. However, the research and development behind McLaren reeds was done over 15 years or more; his PVC reeds are superb, and as state-of-the-art today as they were in 2012.

Advantages of a McLaren synthetic reed:

• temperature independent
• once tuned in the chanter, they stay tuned - great for funeral and wedding pipers, and in competitions.
• bright, loud sound, pitched slightly lower than cane reeds in same chanter - often commented on favorably by judges in competitions
• not affected by moisture
• no need to be 'blown in'
• when combined with nice stable drone reeds, like Selbies, your pipes are literally plug-n-play and ready to go any time
• reeded chanter can be left in the pipes to avoid damage caused by inserting and removing chanter.

Choosing a McLaren synthetic reed:
McLaren reeds are numbered: lower numbers being easier; higher numbers being harder reeds. There is a 'Reed Selection' graph relating numbers to inches of water and mm Hg here:
http://reedsmclaren.com/range%20of%20reeds.pdf.
Brett Tidswell, School of Piping preferred the #17 reed;
My tutor likes a hard reed: #20 or #21;
I tend to get excited in competitions and over-blow, so I have chosen #19 for competitions, but it is a little hard for me if I want to play more than one tune at a time, so I have a #18 as well.

Tuning a McLaren synthetic reed:
There are similarities and differences between tuning a cane read and a McLaren synthetic reed. This is how I do it:

1. set the height of the reed in the chanter to give you a perfect octave between low-A and High-A (High-A can be a tad flatter if you prefer);
2. use a tuning meter (or good ear) to check every note on the scale;
3. adjust the elastic band on the reed to bring the F and High-G into perfect register

...and there you have it - a perfectly tuned chanter with no tape on any hole! Perhaps not always that easy, but definitely do-able (I've done it).

In step 2 you will typically find High-A and the lower hand notes to be in tune; F is often flat, and High-G sharp. Sometimes D is a tad flat and E can sometimes be off a little in either direction.

In step 3, move the elastic band in

tiny

increments, testing the chanter again after each adjustment (testing out of the pipes will do). Small movements can flatten the High-G; sharpen the F; and sort out any other errant notes, but it takes time and patience*. If all notes are spot on, other then a slightly sharp High-G, and you have had enough mucking around, you can use a tiny amount of tape over the hole to correct the High-G, or you can persevere with the elastic band

When all notes are almost perfect, make sure you test the chanter in the pipes, as this can make a slight difference and sort out any remaining problems.

*The good news is - once you've gone to the trouble to tune your chanter, that's it for then next year or so! I have not had to re-tune my chanter for nearly a year now.

Cost of a McLaren synthetic reed:
A beautifully made McLaren reed will cost around AU$45, compared with $18 for a cane reed, but how many cane reeds do you go through trying to find that special one? - and how long does your cane reed last? I have at least 20 cane reeds, from top manufacturers in my kit, most of which are excellent reeds, but I only need one McLaren reed which I have been using exclusively for the last 2 years (I might buy a spare one in case of unforeseen damage, and maybe a softer one for party playing).

FYI: I have no business or other connections with McLaren Reeds - just love the product.

James

fernandezsomet1976.blogspot.com

Source: https://forums.bobdunsire.com/forum/great-highland-bagpipe/technique-instrument/88335-

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