Plastic Chanter Reeds - Any Good?

djm · Post by **djm** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 7:01 pm

Tim, I've tried the phosphor bronze reeds and they worked great ... for a while. Then they stopped dead and couldn't be revived. Still haven't figured that one out, but obviously they failed the test for reliability. My next experiment may be with spruce reeds, once my pipemaker, Joe Kennedy, figures them out.

djm

Joseph E. Smith · Post by **Joseph E. Smith** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 9:04 pm

I can't help but wonder whether there is or isn't a problem with corosion concerning bronze reeds......

djm · Post by **djm** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 9:15 pm

... or metal fatigue?

djm

mirabai · Post by **mirabai** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 9:57 pm

I know several people who have them and are delighted.

Bronze doesn't corrode very easily.

dirk · Post by **dirk** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 10:20 pm

My Gallagher came with bronze reeds in the regulators, and Brianc's have them too. Mine have been working very well and have been very stable for almost a year. With these, I could notice no change between Vermont and Colorado. I'll let you know if they ever give me trouble, but so far so good!

Tim, It was good to read your posts and I appreciate your advice. I'll try some experimentation as well and let you know how my experiences go.
I might even seriously try some deep frying. Should I use some batter?

Also, I'm seriously thinking of getting a bundle of tobacco and treating reeds outside in the smoker...

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 10:32 pm

djm wrote:... or metal fatigue?

djm

Hmmm... what's the cure? tempering or reheating, anealing??

mirabai · Post by **mirabai** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:06 am

Tony wrote:
djm wrote:... or metal fatigue?

djm
Hmmm... what's the cure? tempering or reheating, anealing??

any heating is going to soften it. I would think to simply untie and burnish it into shape again and retie.

morten · Post by **morten** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:45 pm

mirabai wrote: Bronze doesn't corrode very easily.

Ohh - please tell that to my bronze wedding ring....

I am curious though - how long will these usually last before they "die"? (The reeds ! The reeds! what were you thinking?

)

/Morten

Joseph E. Smith · Post by **Joseph E. Smith** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 5:08 pm

Alright, for those of you who haven't heard it yet, here is the clip of my Pakistani chanter with the modified plastic reed.

http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssni ... osephS.mp3