Practice Chanter Reed question...

[chasem]

Are there reeds for the practice chanter that are quieter than others? I live with two other guys right now, and hate practicing when they're around. I feel like I'm playing loud, distracting them. if There are reeds that are quieter, however, I'd love to find out. (Currently I'm playing a Gibson Long PC, Gibson reed).

[NCMC]

You could try a Warnock which is slightly less "bold" - but it depends entirely on the individual reed.
Or you could set aside a time that is acceptable for both roommates to hear you practice - 30min a day? (Which will be easier than finding a suitable "stealth" reed)
If you have a specific practice time it will be easier to schedule other activities for your mates. Good luck.

[Ogden_Piper]

You could also get some dental rubber bands and place one on the reed.. it will make it quieter..

Or you may have to find another place to practice..

Eric

[davidlpope]

Cost may be prohibitive, but the best solution I've found is the Fagerstrom electronic chanter. This thing is great and allows you to practice in situations where you would never pull out a real PC. I brought mine along to Iraq. Just don't get caught using it while driving...it's addictive.

Cordially,

David

[EagleJCS]

Virtually every acoustic (non-amplified) instrument has a particular volume at which it has to be played. Some may be muted to a degree, but they will all make noise.

The wind instruments don't work well if you don't blow hard enough (the reeds require a certain amount of pressure in order to vibrate, non-reeded wind instruments won't make the proper sounds if you don't blow hard enough - or too hard). Changing reeds won't make a whole lot of difference. Yes, some are a little quieter than others, but even the quietest will require that fundamental pressure.

The electronic practice chanters are a good option - you can plug in headphones/ear buds to limit the noise. The suggestion of having an agree-upon practice time is another alternative.

Best of luck in finding your solution.

[Jack Daw]

A lot of good advice so far on changing reeds. Until then, play into a pillow.

[cajuncelt]

Chasem,
You are playing what is probably the loudest PC reed out there (sounds great though). I agree that the red Warnock is quieter especially with a bridle of some sort on it. You'll sacrifice pitch and steadiness though.

[chasem]

Yeah, I've realized the Gibson is quite loud. I do like the sound more than the Abbot I have as well.

I've noticed an instructor's chanter is considerably quieter than mine, though I was guessing it was mainly the result of the chanter, I was hoping there'd be a good reed solution. (going to check with her tonight, most likely)

I appreciate the suggestions. Finding another practice spot is a simple solution where I'm at - plenty of places to go where there will be literally no one there within walking distance. I was just looking for that convenience factor of playing at home whenever I felt like.

Again, appreciate the advice here.

[cavscout]

I've had luck somewhat regulating with the dental rubber bands. Not a lot, but it can take the edge off the sound. One thing my instructor cautioned me on the electronic chanter, it is very forgiving of poor fingering. If you don't seal the hole totally on a real chanter you hear it, on the eChanter as long as you touch the sensor you get the same sound whether your finger is totally on or not.

[Macman]

There was a booth at our highland games that was selling recorder-like chanters (no reed, very quiet, chanter scale and fingering). I'll see if I can get a lead on them if you're interested.