Pipers third hand.

One of the things I learned at The Skandinavian School of Piping and Drumming (see link page) this summer, was how to tune the bagpipe. Both by electronic tuner, and the "old fashion" way, by the ears. For tuning of the drones by ear, one may find use of a little gizmo that goes by the name of "pipers third hand". In all simplicity it is a piece of plastic tube, cut open and then placed around the chanter to cover the b,c and d holes. Thereby making it possible to sound low a by use of the top hand only, thus leaving the right hand free to handle the drones.

 

Personaly I found the use of this device quite practical, making the tuning of the drones somewhat easier. Since our common interest in the bagpipes isn't one of the cheapest hobbies, I'm always looking for ways to cut expences if I can. And the 5-8£ asked for the factory made version of the 3. hand could easily be used for something better. So I decided to make one my self. Its not pritty, nor professionally looking, but it does the job and cost close to nothing. 

For the making of my own little extra hand, I cut  a 2,75 inch (7 cm) piece from my garden water hose. I the cut the piece open and cleaned out the inside.

I could then place the piece of hose around the thinner part of the chanter, and then slide it into place. And it works out nicely.

I used a hose with an 7/8 inch outside diameter, and, as stated, in a length of 2,75 inch. You may have noticed, that the hose is of a quite powerful type, as the "walls" are slightly thicker than normal. That gives a firm grip around the chanter and thereby a better ability to keep the air in. But I recon any good quality garden hose will do the job.