Reading the manual
Recently I bought a new appliance for the home, and as usual, I couldn’t wait to get the thing out of the box, unwrapped, plugged in and up and running.
That’s pretty much what I’ve always done and in most cases that has worked. However, when it doesn’t work properly there is always the user’s manual to guide you down the right path!!
It strikes me that this is an approach used by the general population in buying piping products. It’s one exception I have always made. I always try to think of how a piping product works and what it is trying to do for me, and READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. It definitely pays dividends.
I have met many customers who have bought the Bannatyne Bag, Moisture Control (MCS) or both. Both are excellent products but need to be fitted and operated properly. I have seen several issues come up that can be easily fixed and maintained. However, reading the instructions definitely helps.
Here are some tips based on issues encountered by myself or in the course of working with users….taking time on these issues makes your piping more pleasurable and avoids disasters…..
- Make sure the stocks are pulled all the way through so that the groove sits just below the collar and the stock is firmly set.
- If fitting MCS, tape the cup onto the stock for added security, before pulling through.
- Although stocks usually don’t need to be taped, it is ‘belt and braces’ to do it. Make sure taping is a neat and tidy job and that it won’t peel. I have seen some horror shows!
- You can angle all the stocks and tape them in place. This particularly applies to the blowpipe stock.
- If the bass stock seems to rest against your ear and you want it away from there, angle the stock slightly towards you. This seems the opposite of what you might think but works!
- Make sure the zip is lubricated with the TIZIP and regularly re-applied, every few months. Open the zip on the bag daily to allow air in and drying to take place.
- MCS….check the canister regularly for moisture level. Darkened gels mean moisture is being absorbed, if fully dark, they are saturated.
- Dry gels in the oven, not microwave.
- Check hoses regularly for signs of loosening from the stock, and their condition, just in the same way you check your drone reeds.
- Make sure the hoses are pressed all the way into the rubber connecting cap, slightly protruding on the inside.
- Make sure the canister is properly positioned on the connecting cap, especially in the case of not using it for the chanter stock.
- Many pipers do not use the hose to the chanter, a case of individual preference.
- Make sure you have the rubber bands properly positioned to hold the canister in place.
- Be careful that any tube device form the blowpipe stock is properly positioned so that there is no interference of air flow between the two devices.
This is not an exhaustive list but hopefully a quick read will help.
If anyone has any questions feel free to pass them on using the social media links at the top of the page. By answering that query, it may help another user.
Best wishes
Willie
