[NSP] Re: Extended chanter key positions

[Helen Capes]

Sorry Colin, didn't mean to sound critical.
Helen

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 11:32 PM
Subject: [NSP] Re: Extended chanter key positions


The arrangement of the lower keys can never be standardised and it is a 
question of customising for each individual depending on the number of 
keys and the pitch of keys required. The alternatives that Julia mentions 
are ones that I have tried myself and each has its merits and drawbacks.
If standardisation occurs at all it will only be after years of 
experimentation or until a born again Boehm comes up with a completely new 
system?of keywork. Don't hold your breath.
Colin Ross
Master pipemaker and fountain of all knowledge concerning making NSP's(?)


-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu
Sent: Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10.09pm
Subject: [NSP] Extended chanter key positions



Dear list

I have an order in my queue for an extended chanter with the bottom
notes to be low A, B, C and C#. Obviously there are several ways of
doing this. I'm aware that some arrangements are better for some
tunes, whilst others are better for others - there's probably no
absolute right answer.
Since I myself play a very non-standard arrangement due to being
digitally challenged, I am ill placed to assess the "best" (in the
sense of works best) arrangement for a normal piper, if there is such
an animal.

So I'm canvassing for opinions.

Are two keys operated by the little finger desirable, or would it
better to have one, with 3 across the back?

So far, I've thought of 2 main alternatives:

C# & E on the little finger, A & B on the back, C& D on the thumb
side
E only on the little finger, ABC across the back, C#, D on the thumb
(and of course different permutations of this triple are possible)

What do pipers who play these prefer, in use? Do you have one that
you now wish was different?

Thank you for any opinions - if posted on list the customer will see
them too.

Julia Say
B & J Say Smallpipes
Manufacturing & repairing bagpipes in the Northumbrian tradition



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