The bagpipe if not kept clean could be a source of bacteria and virus infections. There are disinfectants avaiIable, but care should be taken as they could be corrosive, writes Duncan Watson.
As a matter of interest, I have been using hydrogen peroxide for years on reeds. It kills bacteria and a little research I have read shows it can deal with viruses.
The reason that I used it was because I learned that musicians such as bassoonists have used weak solutions of hydrogen peroxide to combat their reeds rotting.
Being mouth blown and subjected directly to saliva which contains enzymes, it is common problem for them. Hydrogen peroxide can definitely prolong the life of reeds.
I have had reeds lasting for three to five years at times (not good for sales!). It is worth doing some personal research via the internet to obtain supplies. It can be purchased in small bottles in varying strength from three to about 9% and is relatively cheap.
Care has to be taken when handling cane when it is wet with it as it causes a bit of bleaching to the skin.
An online amateur snare drumming contest has been organised in the US by the Buffalo Scottish Arts School. The date is April 25. Here’s the link.
Thought of learning piobaireachd during ther lockdown? Get a copy of our editor Robert Wallace’s super tutor book and you can’t go wrong.
He’s also recorded a series of ‘play along’ lessons on tunes suitable for beginners. What are you waiting for?
Don’t forget the PP Lockdown Challenge. Entries for the first challenge close on April 30. Send your piping paintings/ drawings/ bagpipe essays/ new tunes as jpegs/pdfs to pipingpress@gmail.com.
The essays should be circa 1,000 – slightly over or under is no problem. The tunes can have an audio file accompaniment. We’ll have all entries judged and prizes awarded.