cut off valves

[Scottie100270]

How many experienced pipers still use cut off valves? Or are they a common thing these days all around?

[Bobby]

Define experienced?

[Itchyknee]

Originally Posted by Bobby

Define experienced?

Been playing for a number of years?

[SDowns]

I doubt many 'experienced' pipers would admit it...and I don't know why they wouldn't as cut-off valves have their place.

I was watching a video of a very well known piper and her bag was nearly full as she talking into the mic - doing a little intro. A small puff later and she was striking in.

I replayed the video and seriously wondered if she was using cut-off valves.

Personally, I don't think it a bad thing. For some reason, it seems 'devices' get a bad rap....but the market exists for some reason.

footnote: 6 year player and I don't use them...but I've thought about it.

[Scottie100270]

Originally Posted by Bobby

Define experienced?

someone who's already settled into a band or into solo piping and not still learning the ropes... which is probably most of you all..

[Bobby]

The experienced pipers that I know, that are using them, do so because of band reasons. No idea if any strictly solo players are using them.

[Scottie100270]

Originally Posted by SDowns

I doubt many 'experienced' pipers would admit it...and I don't know why they wouldn't as cut-off valves have their place.

I was watching a video of a very well known piper and her bag was nearly full as she talking into the mic - doing a little intro. A small puff later and she was striking in.

I replayed the video and seriously wondered if she was using cut-off valves.

Personally, I don't think it a bad thing. For some reason, it seems 'devices' get a bad rap....but the market exists for some reason.

footnote: 6 year player and I don't use them...but I've thought about it.

i know the video your talking about and i wondered the same thng, and i've seen that in a lot of video clips, and also wondered how the bag stays full and ready for action!

they seem like a wonderful thing, so i don't really understand why anyone at any level wouldn't want them.... especially in a band.

[Itchyknee]

I think there are questions about the reduced air flow reducing the overall sound volume of the drones. Maybe someone else can chip in here.

[SDowns]

I agree that sound may diminished somewhat...but that could be a good thing if a piper needs to create a better balance.

Here's why I say that (and why this thread caught my attention):

In my MacLellan pipes, I play EzeeDrones. The tone is absolutely wonderful. The only thing I don't like is I get just a wee bit of squeal on strike-in. If I adjust them to to remove the squeal, they cutoff. My solution was to go with a bit 'weaker' chanter reed ( I play a medium strength reed).
This works well but I'm not totally happy with that blend (weaker chanter reed and EzeeDrone drone reeds).
I've also played with my strike-in somewhat and found that I can sometimes get a good strike-in by striking the bag right next to the bass drone instead of back a little. (That may be the way to go...but I am impatient).

Second option: I put in some Spitfire drone reeds (tenors). No squeal on strike in, the harmonics are good, but tenors are a bit loud.
My solution may be the cutoff valves or something like the Campbell drone regulators.

Third Option: Try either Kinnairds or Selbies (both recommended for my pipes).

Last option: I don't have any valves or regulators to give this a quick try...but I am thinking about buying a set and having a go with them in an attempt to produce an overall stable setup with good blend while retaining the harmonics.

[Terrance]

I think they are just more toys you don't need.