Uilleann Chanter Reed Final Scraping

 

Final thinning of the uilleann chanter reed blades, concentrating on the upper end near the lips. Starting condition: slight excess strength, pitch a little too sharp, back D (thumb note) sharp, and bottom D prone to gurgling. If reed is already in playing use, use only fine sandpaper and only a very few strokes each time, testing constantly especially back D. If sanded too much, back D becomes unsteady and goes flat under increased pressure.