Protecting Your Bagpipe Reed
A good chanter reed is not cheap, and a damaged or waterlogged reed can ruin a practice session. Taking simple precautions will protect your investment and keep your reed playing well for longer.
Moisture
Moisture is the main enemy of cane reeds. Saliva and condensation from your breath gradually saturate the cane, making it softer and more prone to collapsing or going flat. After each playing session:
- Remove the reed from the chanter
- Gently shake off any visible moisture
- Store the reed in a reed case with some ventilation to allow drying
Reed Cases
Always store reeds in a proper reed case. A reed left loose in a pipe box or bag is at risk of being crushed or chipped. Reed cases are inexpensive and will save you far more in replaced reeds than they cost.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Do not leave reeds in a very hot or very cold environment (such as a car in summer or winter). Extreme temperatures can crack cane reeds and damage synthetic ones.
Playing In a New Reed
New cane reeds should be played in gradually. Don't blast a brand-new reed for an hour in your first session with it. Play it for 10–15 minutes, let it dry, play again. This allows the cane to adjust and produces a more stable reed in the long run.