Uilleann Bagpipe Chanter Double Reeds In Action

We have heard from Phil Westwell who has taken some interesting slow-motion photography of an uilleann bagpipe chanter double reed; there is a link below to the film on YouTube. It makes for interesting viewing.

For those who aren’t familiar with the structure of this instrument, Phil tells us that regarding construction, the uilleann bagpipe reed is like a giant oboe reed (the blades are the same size as a bassoon reed), although bagpipe reeds are free-standing rather than played in the mouth, which makes it possible to film them in normal operation. Phil says “The film contained a few surprises for me, especially the Hard D note at the end of the video. I thought it might be of interest.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCM7kVsYpvI

If anyone has any questions for Phil, our Secretary can put you in contact.