seipal
The synthetic Seipal drone reed is the result of long term research by the Obradoiro de Gaitas Seivane for tonal stability in any humidity and temperature conditions, though retaining the sound of a traditional cane drone reed.
With its synthetic elements, made up of an amalgamation of polymers and its creation through moulding, complete precision and uniformity in its construction and assembly is achieved, providing a secure component as a result which is not sensitive to climatic changes.
On one end, it has a regulating valve wich can easily be changed. This valve has a dual purpose, allowing the instant flow of air, as well as cutting the air instantaneously and precisely when bag pressure is reduced. It is an example of ability due to its simplicity, but also for its effectiveness.
Its extraordinary tonal stability and quality of sound, its longevity, the regularity and strength of its sound, its reliability and contribution to tempering, make the Seipal drone reed the essential accessory for the bagpiper of today.
The Seipal drone reed is available for other bagpipes, such as the Great Highland Bagpipe, Breton Binioù Kozh, Asturian bagpipe, Aragonese Gaita de Boto, Catalan Sac de Gemecs and the Mallorcan Xeremía.
The Seipal drone reed is available for other bagpipes, such as the Great Highland Bagpipe, Breton Binioù Kozh, Asturian bagpipe, Aragonese Gaita de Boto, Catalan Sac de Gemecs and the Mallorcan Xeremía.
Instruction for use of the Seipal drone reed
You may, if you wish, download the instruction manual for the Seipal drone reed in PDF format, by clicking on the following link:
Insert the drone reed at the top of the drone firmly to ensure it is airtight. Take care to ensure that the drone reed is perfectly lined up with drone so that the valves, once inside the stock, are centered.
The conical shape at one end of the Seipal drone reed is measured so that it fits perfectly in the drones produced by the Obradoiro de Gaitas Seivane. However, it may be necessary to roll some thread, thin piece of paper or Teflon around it to ensure a good fit.
If the valves do not cut sound properly or a popping sound is heard, rotate the bass drone on its stock in quarter turns until the drone functions correctly. If, after a complete turn, this has not been achieved, check that the Seipal drone reed is correctly aligned to the drone on its longitudinal axis.
The Seipal can function perfectly well without the use of the valves, but a better result and performance will be obtained if a valves are used.
The vibrating plate on Seipal drone reeds behaves practically the same as those on traditional cane drone reeds. In order to eradicate any possible condensed humidity, remove the drone reed from the stock and shake it lightly.
If you need greater sound volume or to revive a drone reed which has eventually stopped, slightly lift the plate as you would with a cane drone reed.
There are two bridles that hold the plate. The closest one to the valves is fixed and you should not attempt to move it along the tube. The other one can be slid down the plate to adjust the drone reed tuning.
To change the air cut valves, you need only to pull softly on them and insert the new ones in its place.
You may, if you wish, download the instruction manual for the Seipal drone reed in PDF format, by clicking on the following link:
