Relative improvements have been achieved in recent years, in the acoustic and musical realm, and the Obradoiro de Gaitas Seivane is an unmistakable point of reference in the investigation and development of the instrument. Their current gaitas offer a register of an octave and a half and, using special techniques, it is almost possible to register two full octaves. At the same time, they offer a chromatic quality that is not to be underestimated, which in the last few decades has opened up new musical possibilities.

With the refinement in tuning and by bringing the natural gaita scale closer to the tempered scale, a relationship of compromise is established between the two scales and through the work on harmonics, it is possible to adapt this to other classic or modern instruments, without losing the natural characteristics of the gaita.

In terms of the keys, as well as improving the traditional keys like B (known an ‘Tumbal’), C (known as ‘Redonda’) or D (known as ‘Grileira’), an extensive chromatic range was developed between C4 and G5, making new harmonies with different tonal combinations possible. In the same way, Seivane contributed a characteristic harmonious quality, which became standard, both in terms of the chanters and also the general binding of the drones. The ‘pechado’ (closed) fingering style was recovered, defined and unified, which contributed, without doubt, to its extraordinary current popularity. The use of crossed fingerings, known as ‘tranquillas’ for playing in the minor tone was enhanced because it brings about a considerable level of perfection, compared to the previous and imprecise practise of only partly covering the holes.