Hi Colin
There are two parameters to consider when fitting an octave chanter. The
first as you say is the increased dia. which dictates that the nut and
bridge slots need to be moved over, or a small amount taken off the tangents
for simultaneous contact. The second factor is that the low string will have
a greater excursion i.e. side to side movement when vibrating. This may be a
problem if the original set up meant the strings were just clear of the
tangents when playing in the open position. If this is the case, the low
chanter will rattle against the tangents in the open position . There are
two possible solutions. If the keybox has a thick foam shock absorber for
the returning tangents, this could be shaved thinner to take them further
from the strings. If this is not possible, both slots in nut and bridge need
to be moved.
As to which string should be the lower, I've always theorised that the high
chanter is normally under greater tension than the low. This means there is
less pitch bend when the tangent pushes in. If the high chanter is away from
the player, pushing the tangent makes the string travel towards the wheel
and thus up the circumference, increasing the bridge/wheel angle . This will
stretch the string a lot more than the string closer to the player which
tends to be pushed down the circumference and decrease the bridge/ wheel
angle so the traditional method of having the thin string away from you
seems to be favourite.
Neil
http://www.myspace.com/neilbrook
http://www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk
----- Original Message -----
From: "Colin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 12:15 PM
Subject: Re: [HG] Position of octave chanters
I have thought about having an octave chanter but (sorry if it's a stupid
question) do you have to alter the tangents (not just tuning adjustment)
as
the string will be thicker and, I assume, contact would be made on the
thicker string first.
I'm too new to this to start fiddling around and mess things up and I
don't
want to damage anything as I don't have the skills required for drastic
action (I'm already worrying about making the notch on the bridge larger
as
well).
Colin Hill.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Wolodymyr Smishkewych" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 12:47 AM
Subject: Re: [HG] Position of octave chanters
Hi all,
not because of any logic that I can think of but rather because of
tradition or custom amongst Spanish luthiers, the octave chanter/voix
humane seems to end up on what would be the trompette (facing the
player) side.
cheers,
Vlad
Wolodymyr Smishkewych
wolodymyrsmishkewych.com
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Dec 16 2007, at 19:35, Tony Vincent wrote:
> At 07:12 PM 12/16/2007 EST, you wrote:
>> I am not sure if there is a reason today. Although as a note,
>> there are
>> some earlier instruments that have a main bridge that is heavier
>> (thicker)
>> on the bass side to help transfer more sound to the sound board.
>> It is not
>> all that common but it does appear on the instruments from time
>> to time.
>
> Hi Scott
>
> I just wondered if the increased sting-to-wheel pressure inflicted
> on the
> furthest
> string at the dusty end of the box was kinder, soundwise, on the
> heavy or
> lighter strings?
>
> Which string is usually in which position? Why? A matter of choice
> or chance?
>
> Regards, Tony
>
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