Adjusting Hemp On The Bagpipe

Hemp and hemping is essential to maintaining the Great Highland Bagpipe. Joints need to be airtight, but drone joints need to turn smoothly for tuning. They need to be airtight yet movable with only two-fingers. Having your pipes properly hemped is one of the most important maintenance aspects on the bagpipe.
In this episode of “The Pipe Box”, Gold Medallist, Jim McGillivray breaks down why hemp is relevant, hemp choices and options available today, as well as when and how to wrap hemp bagpipe joints.
Pipers have their own preference for the type of hemp they want to use, but waxed hemp is preferred for any joints that might get wet. Unwaxed hemp expands when it gets wet and the joints get too tight. Whether you use black or yellow waxed hemp is a matter of preference.
Remember to wrap drone tenons that fit into the stocks to create a snug, secure fit. Hemp the tuning pins so the joints can be adjusted with only two fingers. Also, remember that unwaxed hemp, especially, will swell with moisture when you play, so leave a little room as you can always add more.
Have hemping tricks or tips to share? Let us know in the comments. Have questions or have an idea for a future episode? Email us at [e-mail]
Need Waxed Hemp, Teflon, or any other Bagpiping accessories - piping.on.ca/m...
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[@pemacal57]

Hello and good morning. I am a fan follower of your channel.
Well, the thing is I am a sincere lover of bagpipes ( GHB and Galician bagpipes). I am a humble amateur and I started by myself 6 years ago( only watching video tutorials with practice Chanter). At present I have a McCallum AB3 with two Chanters McCallum wooden Gandy and McC2 SOLO poly….and despite my short and poor skill I am very happy.
But I am writing you to tell you THANKS VERY MUCH FOR YOUR EXCELLENT LESSONS, you are helping a lot of probably lost beginners to understand the amazing word of bagpipes.
Thanks very much indeed and best wishes.

[@paulouellette6881]

Hey Jim... about joints & hemp adjustments... I have always used white waxed nylon dental floss (Johnson & Johnson brand..) for re-tightening joints after the waxed hemp compresses, as it always does.

[@jmfogelman]

What pipes are those? I haven’t seen beading that deeply cut on modern pipes, only on older Starcks.

[@Pipetunes]

I believe I was using a set of Donald MacDonald pipes that I had in the house.