Na Píobairí Uilleann

[DavidG]

Hi all,

Just wondering how critical internal bore dimensions are on regulators. Are they complex like chanters or are straight conical bores less problematic given there are no second octave tuning issues?

Reg(ard)s,

DavidG
_________________

[WilliamH]

They tend to be made with the same reamers as the chanter - sometimes inserted less deeply, yielding a slightly smaller throat. Therefore they are not straight cones.

Even though the effect of small variations in the bore may be masked by the use of rushes, the upper bore deviations (from straight) are something that may make a significant difference. Certainly these upper bore wiggles can have a noticeable effect in chanters - not just on tuning but on stability of certain notes, tonal quality, etc., so it seems reasonable to expect them to have similar impact on regulators.

Given the observation about reamers above, there seems little upside to using straight cones in the regs if one is already using complex bores in the chanter - unless of course the complex bores are constructed by scooping out bits from an initially straight-sided bore. This latter approach has been put forward as a possible methodology used by some classic makers. My own observations of Coyne and Egan sets lead me to conclude that they were using complex shaped reamers, rather than straight followed by spot-adjustments, but I don't have an opinion on Kenna or earlier makers - I just don't have enough information to make an educated guess.

regards

Bill

[DavidG]

[WilliamH]

Hi David,

I think the problem with the upper notes in regulators can mostly be explained by the following expectations we tend to have of regs. (What follows is my own thinking on it, but I can't claim that it's proven or even that there is a consensus on this subject...)

Firstly, they should not jump the octave under pressure; secondly, that they not be so loud as to overpower the chanter. These two together often bias the reedmaker/owner towards relatively closed reeds, and/or light or even overscraped blades, or long blades; alternatively it biases one towards reeds in which the second octave is (i.e."would be") flat. Those things can also result in a weak top on the scale.

Thus I don't think the bore is necessarily at fault, it's just one of the limiting factors in regs that result from trying to meet the other requirements. A reed that holds nice and steady under pressure at the top of the scale may be one that's inclined to jump the octave.

The practice of heavily rushing regulators can make this problem worse since it can cause notes to jump the octave more easily, leading to more extreme measures taken with the reed to prevent it, weakening the reed's top notes in the process.

regards

Bill

[PMartin]

I was just reading the topic of regs, and various bores...
These are my own experience of playing, and tuning regs..

Straight conical bores are ideal i think, with a minimum of rushing or big wax blobs-allowing for a smoother passage for the air current.
With any chanter or regulator, the reeds are the important factor. It's just down to patience and making the very best reed that is humanly possible! You also usually have to adjust the holes a little with a little file or similar, in order to fine-tune any flat notes.
Another good trick is to set in a piece of brass tubing to the reed seat, for quick adjustment of pitch.
Also, try playing about with the bottom ornamental cap at the end of the regs..On my middle reg, I have this pulled out almost 1/2 an inch, to cure a sharp G note. It was just by trial and error.

Paddy
_________________

[PMartin]

A good tip I learned with regulators, and making the reeds for them, is to make the staples for tenor and baritone regs with a very small 'eye'.
This is really the only way to make these two regulators suitably 'quiet' compared to the chanter.
If you just rely on closing the head of the reed for this, the reed can be weak and have tonal problems, but if you flatten the eye of the staple quite small, then less air goes through the reed, the reed is then a lot quiter, but more stable (hopefully!)

I don't do this with the bass reg reed, as I like a good robust sound there.
Paddy
_________________