Difference Between Different Chanter Reeds

[MacGumerait]

If you haven't already, you need to ingratiate yourself with this forum board:

http://forums.bobdunsire.com/forums/index.php

You are really jumping the gun worrying about the rather complex selection of pipes and reeds at this early stage. However reed selection is dependent not only on personal preferences, but also what drone and chanter reeds sound best with your make/model/drone bore dimensions/setup. Thus the vast variety.

Kamilavalamp ,

I would have to agree with Mike S comments .

There are several makers ( and types ) of reeds and several makers of pipes .

Choosing reeds can vary depending on one's pipes and one's preference .

In my humble opinion , there is not a " clear - cut " answer on which reeds " are the best " .

Cheers , Mike

[Steve Ashton]

I'm going to second the recommendation that you also post your question over on Bob Dunsire's bagpipe forum.
Over there they are as dedicated to pipes as X Marks is to kilts.

[EagleJCS]

I applaud your enthusiasm. I was there once myself. Before making a decision to purchase anything more, I would strongly suggest a couple of things:

1) start working with an instructor who should be able to offer suggestions based on personal experience with environmental conditions in your area (seasonal temperatures, humidity, etc. that affect wood instruments, moisture control requirements and how often you have to fuss with resetting reeds. Some reeds are pretty much 'set-it-and-forget-it' and others require almost daily adjustments if not hourly.);
2) listen to several different setups (maybe from individuals in a band) and figure out which sounds best to your ears.

All of the components of a set of pipes can affect how easy they are to play and the sound quality, starting with the bag and moisture control system (if there is one) down to the material and size of the bushings at the top of the drones.