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This month's video clip is comedian Michael McIntyre's idea about how the kilt came to be.

The Birth of the Kilt

Altering the Pitch of the Reed

Raising the Pitch (Drones will tune higher on the tuning pins)- The pitch of the reeds can be raised by removing the nose cone from the end of the reed and unscrewing (counter-clockwise) the set screw in the nose cone. This reduces the length of the air column which will raise the overall pitch of the drone. The pitch can also be raised by seating the reeds further into the drone reed seats. Remove some hemp and reinstall the reed further into the reed seat.

Lowering the Pitch (Drones will tune lower on the tuning pins)- The pitch of the reeds will be lowered by removing the nose cone from the end of the reed and screwing (clockwise) the setscrew into the nose cone. This will lengthen the air column in the reed, which will lower the overall pitch. The drone will have to be shortened to compensate. When removing the nose cone, only twist to pull it out. Do not rock it from side to side as this may crack the body of the reed. The pitch can also be lowered by seating the reed further out of the reed seats. Add some hemp and re-install the reed in the reed seat.



Alter Reed Strength:

Increasing the Strength (Reeds will be harder to shut off) - Moving the bridle away from the vibrating end of the reed will increase the strength of the reed. This will also make the drone tune lower, which may need to be compensated for.
The tongue of the reed can also be bent upwards slightly to allow more air through the reed. To do this, place a small knife underneath the blade right beside the bridle. With your other thumb pressing down on the bridle, gently pry the tongue with the knife away from the bed of the reed. Be very careful that you do not break the tongue. Small adjustments and frequent testing are in order.

Decreasing the Strength (Reeds will be easier to shut off) - Moving the bridle towards the vibrating end of the reed will decrease the strength of the reed. This will also make the drone tune higher, which may need to be compensated for.
The tongue of the reed can also be bent downwards slightly to restrict air through the reed. To do this, place a small knife underneath the blade right beside the bridle. With your other thumb pressing down on the free end of the reed, gently pry the tongue next to the bridle to flatten the tongue. Be very careful that you do not break the tongue. Small adjustments and frequent testing are in order.

Sincerely,