Cleartone Plastic Drone Reeds
- Frequently Asked Questions -
What is the difference in the sound of the 3 types?
Not a lot !! The "1Y" are the large bore ones and give a "fine" "clean" sound, good balance Bass and Tenor and clear Chanter sound. These are similar to the original ones I have been making for the last 10 years approx. The only reports I get are good reports about them. They are easy to setup and play, last a long time and are the cheapest on the market. Some people had difficulty fitting the Tenor Reeds into the reed seat of smaller bore bagpipes and had to remove the hemp. If you have to remove all the hemp they can be sealed in the drone reed seat using "Blu-Tack" or similar non setting mastic. The "No 2Y" reeds overcome this problem as the Tenor Reeds are smaller bore. The Bass is the same. The smaller bore Tenor Reeds give a slightly brighter sound, slighty louder and a good integrated vibration with the Chanter and Bass. The "1YL" and "2YL" sets are the same except the Bass is longer. If you want to play a slighter lower pitched chanter you may find the Bass tunes very high. The longer Bass reed will allow the Bass Drone to tune lower.
Why the New Yellow Tongue?
The Yellow tongue has slightly different properties than the original clear tongue. It allows a wider range of adjustment of the reed and easier "strike in" in some makes of bagpipe. All reeds are now supplied with the Yellow tongue.
What reeds do you recommend I should buy?
It is very difficult, it depends on the bagpipe and the players preference for sound. The "1Y" are probably the best all round generally. If you want a wee bit more "buzz" take the "2Y". All reeds are guaranteed to work so there is no problem changing them
Which reed is best for beginners?
It doesn't really matter, it depends on the bagpipe and the players preference for sound. Most reeds will be easy to medium when taken from the packet. The strength of the reed depends on how it is adjusted - how much the tongue is sprung and the position of the bridle. If it is sprung too much open it will be hard to blow and probably double-tone. See "Adjusting the Reed" leaflet for more info. All Cleartone Reeds when properly adjusted to suit the player are very "air efficient". The bag must feel solid under your arm if you are to blow steady.
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