Thanks, Helen, I've noticed that while a cotton wool plug can sort out squeaks and tuning problems, it can really compromise the tone of the chanter. I've found that it's worth experimenting to find the smallest amount of cotton wool necessary (perhaps just a few strands)to correct tuning, thus preserving some brightness of tone. Its also worth checking every now and then to make sure the cotton wool hasn't become clogged with oil [am I the only piper left to advocate a good dousing in oil ;-) ]
Chris > I know that this is a perennial problem and I am sure that this cure has > been mentioned before. However, for anyone who missed this as a possible > solution this is a reminder. > A friend's pipes were squeeking on some of the left hand notes and it was > driving her crazy, as it does! We checked for leaks and they were > airtight. > We oiled them anyway to see if it would help. No improvement. Then I > noticed > that the cotton at the bottom of the chanter was a cotton bud and was very > long. I replaced it with a softer shorter piece of cotton wool and the > problem was cured. > Happy New Year everyone > Helen > > > > To get on or off this list see list information at > http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html > >
