The original remedy to correct tuning and excessive vibrato on the top notes was to insert a small cane G reed into the end of the chanter and move it in and out until an optimum position was found. It was then cut off at that point and the end piece replaced. This would satisfy Chris's complaint of the deadening of the tone effect of the cotton wool. The cotton wool plug was someting I got from Colin Caisley who may have got it from Tom Clough as a cure all remedy providing it was a teased out piece of cottong wool and not just a cotton bud pushed in at any old length. The end of an un-reconstructed cotton bud is in effect a reflecting surface and would have to be as carefully placed as the cane. The oily cotton wool would have the same effect and would need careful placing or better still replacing with a soft piece to stop the interfering standing waves being set up in the lower end of the chanter. Colin Ross Tech adviser NPS
-----Original Message----- From: Jack Rawlins <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Dartmouth N.P.S. site <[email protected]> Sent: Wed, 9 Jan 2008 14:25 Subject: [NSP] Cotton and the end plug I am new to northumbrian small pipes and am self taught.? ? My question is about the end plug. Is this to be adjusted in some manner to affect tuning and tone quality? Mine has no cotton in the bottom. I realize this could be a long response, but any help would be appreciated.? ? Also, there are no teachers around this neck of the woods - anyone give lessons over the internet? I do have a very strong musical background so the basics of reading music, fingerings etc are not an issue. I am looking for some help with basic setup on the maintenance side and tune expression.? ? Thanks? Jack Rawlins? Ponca City, Ok USA? ? ? To get on or off this list see list information at? http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html? ________________________________________________________________________ AOL's new homepage has launched. Take a tour at http://info.aol.co.uk/homepage/ now. --
