![]() ![]() I got used to it, but some might not like this. The only minor issues I ran into were sealing the blowpipe stock in the collar (which I had to use a bit of putty to get an airtight seal kind of like on the old-fashioned tie-in bags) and the backward angle of the drone stocks was a bit uncomfortable at first. As an added bonus there was definitely an enhancement in the tone of the instrument over the Bannatyne bag I was using previously. The angled zipper keeps it out of your way. After a playing session with just a Moose valve and tube water trap combination the drone bores and all the reeds are nice and dry. ![]() The bag is highly breathable, perfect for a wet blower like me. The suede gives it all the advantages of hide: great feel, better control, non-slippery, and easier starts and stops without any of the maintenance hassles. Great instrument to play with a bodhran, whistle, guitar, violin or voice as the balance (maybe not the key though) is appropriate. I prefer this sound to the shuttle pipes which I find a bit kazoo-like, but listen to sound files here or at Walsh\'s website. I also tape off the middle tenor drone as I find the combination of the alto and bass a crisper sound and less air is required. Personally I take everything apart to dry it as best as possible since the bag doesn\'t open. ![]() Plan ahead! The lack of full moisture removal means that who knows what is growing in that bag. Striking in and cutting off is a bit trickier with a tendency to squeak as the bag is huge relative to the air used. They take a surprisingly large amount of blowing to initially fill that bag, like a GHB, but once going require very little air providing a more relaxing and longer practice than the GHBs. The super simple plastic chanter and drone reeds require almost no tuning, are relatively unaffected by heat and humidity, and produce a sweet pipe sound. The Walsh smallpipes are a great way to enjoy learning tune fingering, breath control and inside entertainment where even the off notes don\'t sound all that bad. I keep it in my car now, plug it into my sound system and practice while in car washes, slow traffic, long lights etc. And if you have a cold or sore throat and don\'t feel like blowing, it\'s a great alternative. It\'s also fantastic to practice on while watching TV on the sofa with your wife/husband/dog etc as you can get a practice in without bothering anyone. Maybe this new model has been improved, I had the previous one which had no sensitivity adjustments. It can be very frustrating dropping out low A\'s or G\'s all the time. Hand lotion helps, but you end up really bearing down to make a clear signal. My only BUT is, in planes especially, dry skin makes for poor electrical contacts. It\'s always been fun, sound quality and controls are great. You may need to play Scotland the Brave for someone in security. Good to carry music with you, some earphones and the battery works. As long as you don\'t mind being stared at in planes, and being stopped in security, it\'s great. I bought this because of all the travelling I do I felt it was a chance to practice on planes, hotel rooms etc. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |