All pipe bags require understanding and management in order to achieve and maintain the right sound. Each type of bag has its advantages, limitations, and maintenance requirements. It is critical that the piper understand his or her pipe bag and make adjustments necessary in order to achieve optimal sound and performance.
The bag’s responsibility is to be air-efficient and to maintain an environment within that keeps reeds at the proper temperature and RH level for extended periods of time. The piper’s responsibility is to evaluate the external circumstances (temperature and humidity) and to make adjustments as required. This may mean removing or adding moisture. In all instances, your bagpipe will tell you what it needs by the sound it is producing. The trick is to listen.
As the Pipe Major’s responsibility is to manage the overall sound, I wonder why more emphasis isn’t placed on uniformity of bags throughout the band and having the right bag for a particular climate.
It seems to me that the upper grade bands do put an emphasis on bag type? At least that’s what I’ve garnered from talking to band mates in the upper grades. I’m not sure that grade 3 or 3b at least and below that it would make much of a difference compared to the other issues surrounding tone such as blowing, control, and reed maintenance. I think for lower grade bands, just getting everyone with a bag that fits, and is airtight is a major accomplishment.
Agreed with this sentiment – I often hear “shotts switch to all ____ bags” but never “Central City USA Band switched to ___ bags”, nor do I think that a bunch of hobbyists from the midwest would benefit significantly from all playing the same bag as much as they would from learning to blow steadier and maintain their instruments better.
JD, if I’m the PM I want everybody playing the same bag. Makes EVERYTHING so much easier. Eliminates the guesswork. Otherwise agree re blowing steadier and bagpipe maintenance.