Tube with stopped ends for carrying Union bagpipe chanter reeds

Bamboo tube with open ends stopped with corks. 19th century. Used to carry bagpipe chanter reeds for a set of Union bagpipes (H.1995.795.1) that belonged to William Mackie.

A strong type of cane, Arundo Donax, both farmed and naturally grown, is favoured for making reeds for bagpipes as well as for other musical wind instruments. The drone reed, a so-called 'single reed', uses the whole body of the cane. The same cane is also cut into thin blades to make into chanter reeds, the so-called 'double reed'.

The cane is cut into lengths, longer lengths and larger bodied cane supplying bass drone reeds, one end is blocked off at a natural division within the cane; the 'blade' is cut horizontally and this produces a 'tongue' which vibrates freely in the flow of air from the bag into the drones. The cane reed is 'seated' in the bottom end of the drone.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.