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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Trouble Shooting

1.1 I just bought my Piper's Pal and it doesn't work
1.2 Reed Double Tones
1.3 Reed Squeals
1.4 Reed Squeals During Strike In
1.5 My Piper's Pal does not work like when I first bought it
1.6 My Piper's Pal reed protector looses moisture rapidly
1.7 What is the difference between Piper's Pal and a cigar humidor?
1.8 What is the ideal temperature for the Piper's Pal case?
1.9 My tuner does not respond when I plug the microphone clip in.
1.10 How do I set up my Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone Reeds?

2. Product Information:

2.1 Why Choose Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone Reeds?
2.2 Selecting Style of Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone Reeds
2.3 How do I choose an Electronic Chanter?
2.4 Highland Dress Instructions
Please note that all custom and special order items are non-refundable and require a 50% deposit.

3. Product Instructions:

3.1 Kinnaird Drone Reeds:
3.1.1 Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone Reed Instructions - quick setup instructions
3.1.2 Setting Up Your Drone Reeds - in-depth instructions for optimal performance
3.1.3 Instructions for Replacing Drone Reed Tubing
3.1.4 Instructions for Removal and Replacement of Plastic Drone Reed Screws
3.1.5 Removal and Installation of Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone Reed Tongues
3.2 - Piper's Pal:
3.2.1 Pipers Pal
3.2.3 Piper's Pal Retailer/Bands
3.2.4 Piper's Pal Reed Protector
3.2.5 Piper's Pal Original Recharge Instructions
3.2.6 Piper's Pal New Recharge Instructions
3.2.7 Piper's Pal Bands Recharge Instructions
3.2.8 Piper's Pal Reed Protector Recharge Instructions
3.3 - Kinnaird Kanister:
3.3.1 Kinnaird Kanister Instructions
3.4 - Tuner:
3.4.1 How do you tune your bagpipes using a tuner?
3.5 - Other:
3.5.1 Bagpipe Care Instructions
3.5.2 Kilt Measurement Instructions
3.5.3 Manometer Instructions
3.5.4 Dycem Patch - How to attach to your bag cover
3.5.5 Bannantyne Pipe Bag Installation
3.5.6 Additional Kilt Information

4. General Bagpipe Tips and Information:

4.1 Getting the Most Out of Your Bagpipe - A Maintenance Checklist
4.2 Chanter and Drone Reed Trouble Shooting Guide
4.3 Andrew Lenz's Bagpipe Journey - Andrew provides plenty of helpful information about bagpipes. Pipe Bag Size Chart is available here.
4.4 Jim McGillivray's Pipes Ready! Video ~ Strongly Recommended. This provides everything you need to know about bagpipe maintenance.
4.5 Chris App's Video about How to Correct a Double Toning F
4.6 Chris App's Video about How to Soften a Strong Reed
4.7 Bagpipe Basics- What you need to know before buying a set of pipes
4.8 So You Want to Play Bagpipes- Comparing practice chanters, tutor books, and benefits of an instructor

5. Company Information

5.1 Our Store and Hours
5.2 Directions
5.3 Shipping
5.4 Terms
5.5 Return Policy
5.6 Privacy Policy

Trouble Shooting

Q.1.1 I just bought my Piper's Pal and it doesn't seem to work.

A. 1. Ensure that you have added the correct amount of water to the bottom tray. You must use a measuring tablespoon (i.e. 15ml) when you measure the water for the bottom tray. Do not use a dinner spoon. When the proper amount of water is added, the initial water level in the bottom tray will be just below the bottom of the threads at the top of the tray. Its better to add a little too much and drain off the excess than too little.

A. 2. Check that all the trays are screwed together properly and tightly. If you accidentally screw a tray together improperly, moisture will be lost to the environment.

Q.1.2 Reed Double Tones.

A. 1. The reed is probably too strong for your blowing set up. See Decreasing the Strength.

Q.1.3 Reed Squeals.

A. 1. Tongue length is too short for drone acoustics. Move the bridle away from the free end of the reed.

Q.1.4Reed Squeals During Strike In:

A. 1. Check your strike-in technique. Try striking the bag in different locations. Move the bridle away from the free end of the reed.

Q.1.5 My Piper's Pal does not seem to work as effective as it did when I first bought it.

A. 1. Check the bottom tray to see if it has dried out. Over time, moisture will be lost from the case to the reeds or to the surrounding environment when the case is opened. To restore the effectiveness of Piper's Pal, just sprinkle a little water in the bottom tray to re-hydrate the absorbent. Leave the case standing until the water is absorbed, and you are ready to go.

Ensure that all the water is absorbed or drained (if you add too much) before you store the case on its side. The frequency with which you have to add water depends on a number of factors. A good rule of thumb is when you start seeing crystals on the top of the absorbent in the bottom tray, or the absorbent feels dry on top, its time to add water.

A. 2. Check the holes on the bottom of the second tray. Sometimes crystals may form in these holes that restrict the air movement in the case. Simply, clean the holes and the case will be ready to go.

A. 3. Check that all the trays are screwed together properly and tightly. If you accidentally screw a tray together improperly, moisture will be lost to the environment.

Q.1.6 My Piper's Pal reed protector looses moisture rapidly.

A. 1. When playing your chanter, stand the reed protector up on the foam gasket. This will prevent it from drying out while playing. You will not have to add water as frequently if you do this.

A. 2. Use the reed protector as often as possible. If you have your pipes out and going, and then set them down for an hour, the reed begins to dry out. If you are leaving your pipes/chanter out for an extended period, put the chanter cap on the chanter.

A. 3. If you do leave your chanter in your pipes for awhile, you can always put the plug up the bore. This will also slow down the rate at which your reed dries out.

Q.1.7 What is the difference between the Piper's Pal and a cigar humidor?

A.The Piper's Pal is unique in several regards:

A. 1. It maintains a relative humidity within the case specifically designed for cane reeds.

A. 2. It is a durable, portable storage case that you can carry in your pipe box. It is designed to hold reeds, therefore, you can carry your reeds in your pipe box without damaging them.

A. 3. The humidity control system works in two directions. i.e. It humidifies dry reeds and will absorb moisture from wet reeds. Reeds stored in the Piper's Pal will also resist mould and mildew.

Q.1.8 What is the ideal temperature for the Piper's Pal case?

A. 1.The Piper's Pal is designed to be portable so that it can be taken with you in your pipe case at room temperature. Storing the Piper's Pal at a reduced temperature will make it less effective. DO NOT FREEZE IT.

Q.1.9 My tuner does not respond when I plug the microphone clip in.

A. 1. Check to ensure that you have the microphone plugged into the correct input jack on you tuner. All of the Korg tuners require the ¼" adapter plug that is supplied with the microphone.

A. 2. Check to ensure that the microphone switch is turned to the "On" position. The microphone has a switch to conserve batteries. Always turn the microphone switch to "Off" when you are done with your tuner.

A. 3. The battery may be dead. Open the battery compartment on the back of the microphone switch and replace the battery.

Q.1.10 How do I set up my Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone Reeds?

A. 1. Setting Up Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone Reeds.Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone reeds have been developed and tested to operate in the majority of bagpipes. The sound that you will get from your instrument will depend on the reed set-up and the condition of the bagpipe. To get the best sound out of our reeds and minimize any problems during set-up, check the following prior to starting.

1. Check the condition of the bagpipe

Check that all joints including the stocks are tightly hemped and that no air is leaking from the joints.

Check for cracks in the drones or a loose drone bush.

Take each section of the drone and plug one end with your finger and blow on the other end. No air should escapeCheck the bores of the drones for obstructions.

If you use a canister system, check to ensure the hose connections to the stocks are tight and not cracked.

When you are certain that the bagpipe is in good condition, you can begin to set-up the drone reeds. Ensure that when you install the reeds in the drone that:

The reeds are properly seated in the reed seats. If air leaks past the reed through the reed seat, the reeds will not function optimally. If needed, add or remove some black waxed hemp from the reed until they seat solidly in the bottom of the drone. If you have very small reed seats, you may need to enlarge them with a tapered reamer.

Ensure that the reeds are seated straight in the bottom of the drone and that they are not in contact with the sides of the stocks

Altering the Reed Pitch:

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. See Raising the Pitch.

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. See Lowering the Pitch.

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.

Q 3.5.6 Additional Kilt Information

Kilt Pleating:
Stripe means that one particular line is centered on every pleat.
Sett means that the design (sett) continues across the back of the kilt. This is most common.

Kilt Measuring:

height        total kilt length
5'3"            21"-22"
5'4"            22"-22.5"
5'6"            23"-23.5"
5'8"            23.5"-24"
5'10"          24"-24.5"
6'               25"
6'2"            25"-25.5"
6'4"            25.5"-26"
6'6             26"-26.5"

Store and Company Information

Q5.1 Store and Hours

Kinnaird Bagpipes is a home based business. We have a separate business space and welcome customers to drop in. Staff are available 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. We are available on evenings and weekends by appointment. If you want to meet with Rob or Rauncie, please make an appointment.

Q5.2 Directions

From Circle Drive South of 8^th Street:
Exit onto Circle Drive East toward Yorkton
Turn Left onto Boychuck
Second Left onto Nemebein
First Left onto Emmeline Cres.
Second Right onto Emmeline Terr
House Number 923

Q5.3 Shipping

Orders will be confirmed by e-mail. Most orders are shipped within 48 hours.
Delivery standards are as follows:

Canada:

• Expedited Post (2-7 business days) Tracking is Available.
• Xpress Post (1-2 business days) Tracking is Available.

USA:

    •  Air Mail (7-10 business days)- Only available for packages that are 1 kg or less in weight.  Tracking is NOT Available for airmail packages.
     •   Expedited Parcel (6 - 9 business days) Tracking is Available.
     •   Xpress Post (3-5 business days to most major centers) Tracking is Available.

International:

•Air Mail (6-10 business days) Only applies to packages that are 2 kg or less. Tracking is NOT Available for airmail packages.

Q5.4 Terms

-All prices are in Canadian Dollars. GST (Canadian residents) and PST (Saskatchewan residents) extra where applicable.
-Prices are subject to change without notice.
-Acceptable methods of payment are Visa, MasterCard, and prepayment by check or money order.
-If special handling and brokerage involvement is requested, please let us know when ordering.
-All orders will be shipped by Canada Post unless specified otherwise.
-We will not be held responsible for any Duty charges incurred.
-Merchandise remains the property of Kinnaird Bagpipes until paid in full.
-All special and custom orders are non-refundable and non-returnable.

Q5.5 Return Policy

Satisfaction, Price Match, and Return Policies
1. If you are unsatisfied with products upon receipt, please contact us right away by phone or email. Most items can be returned.
2. Returns Can Not occur on special orders and items used by mouth or for hygienic reasons such as reeds and earrings. If there is a defect, these items are still warranted.
3. For returns where no defect exists:
-Contact us to make sure that the item can be returned and so that we can give you shipping instructions. Items sent from the US via courier will have brokerage fees deducted from the refund. We recommend USPS for US returns and Canadapost for Canadian returns.
-Return the items to us within 30 days from the shipment to you.
4. Shipping is non-refundable.
5. Price matching will occur within 30 days of purchase. Proof of price match must be provided by the customer. Prices are converted to Canadian dollars.

Awards

2010 SABEX Awards Finalists Announced in Star Phoenix