Bruce, could you check on your recording volume ie. your speaking volume. On this video it’s only audible from 1.26 on and I’ve noticed similar on others of your videos. I’ve checked my equipment at this end and I don’t think the fault is here. While I’m speaking with you I’m sure I’ve seen you somewhere explaining what the reed seats and bridles different jobs are in sound production, from which how to successfully manipulate them for optimum sound should follow. Can’t find it again though. Where is it please?
The audio seems OK at my end although there is an increase in volume from 1.26. This is simply because the microphone was nearer to me at that point.
The bridle position doesn’t simply control the strength and volume of the reed. The more you open the bridle, the louder the reed and the more air it takes. However, you lose harmonics if you open the bridle too much; the more you pull/close the bridle down, the more harmonics you produce.
It is a balance. I set my bridles just above my chanter strength (so if I blow a little harder, the drones cut off). This produces the maximum harmonics – which is, after all, what we’re trying to achieve.
The reed seat needs to be very secure into the drone with no air leakage. If it leaks, the reed may stop or become unsteady. Sound-wise, a leaking reed seat means air leaks up the drone the whole time (the same with a drone reed that is not airtight), which interferes with the harmonics and makes them incorrect.
Yes, there are correct/pure and incorrect/unpure harmonics.
Good afternoon Bruce,
I have received your new reeds you have sent me . Thank you so very much for your generosity. I am watching your video. Take care and stay safe.
many thanks again
Kindest regards
Jenny
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Bruce, could you check on your recording volume ie. your speaking volume. On this video it’s only audible from 1.26 on and I’ve noticed similar on others of your videos. I’ve checked my equipment at this end and I don’t think the fault is here. While I’m speaking with you I’m sure I’ve seen you somewhere explaining what the reed seats and bridles different jobs are in sound production, from which how to successfully manipulate them for optimum sound should follow. Can’t find it again though. Where is it please?
Hi Dave,
The audio seems OK at my end although there is an increase in volume from 1.26. This is simply because the microphone was nearer to me at that point.
The bridle position doesn’t simply control the strength and volume of the reed. The more you open the bridle, the louder the reed and the more air it takes. However, you lose harmonics if you open the bridle too much; the more you pull/close the bridle down, the more harmonics you produce.
It is a balance. I set my bridles just above my chanter strength (so if I blow a little harder, the drones cut off). This produces the maximum harmonics – which is, after all, what we’re trying to achieve.
The reed seat needs to be very secure into the drone with no air leakage. If it leaks, the reed may stop or become unsteady. Sound-wise, a leaking reed seat means air leaks up the drone the whole time (the same with a drone reed that is not airtight), which interferes with the harmonics and makes them incorrect.
Yes, there are correct/pure and incorrect/unpure harmonics.
Thank you for your comment, Andy. – Bruce.
Good afternoon Bruce,
I have received your new reeds you have sent me . Thank you so very much for your generosity. I am watching your video. Take care and stay safe.
many thanks again
Kindest regards
Jenny