Carl's Take: Poly vs Blackwood
Which is better? This is a common question we get here at the Dojo. Common Question: "I'm about to get a full set of pipes...…
Category: Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Chanter Reed the Right Strength for me? The reed-strength litmus test
A litmus test is a chemistry technique that measures something’s acidity, but the term is more commonly used to describe a question that uses a…
Proper Hemping of Drone Reed Seats
Proper hemping of a drone reed seat is just about patience and getting the hemp to conform to the exact shape of the reed seat.…
EzeeDrone Tip: Removing "Rubber Hemp"
Presumably to make their reeds "fool-proof" for even the most "hands-off" pipers (and that's putting it nicely...), EzeeDrone and Selbie put rubber sleeves on their…
Recording Devices: Our Up-to-Date Recommendations
A recorder is a vital tool for every piper to have and to use. Now, if you’re like most people, you probably hate the idea…
Freedom Phase 1 Success Stories!
Freedom Phase 1 can be a jarring experience for many learners. "I signed up to learn bagpipes, and these crazy Dojo people are making me…
A Practice Chanter Primer
Think about learning to ride a bike for a moment. For me, it was an intimidating experience! When riding a bike, you have to coordinate…
The Scotland the Brave Reed Strength Test
The following is another excerpt from Transitioning to the Pipes. Even if you're no longer a beginner, read this with a "beginner's mind" and you…
Make Your Own Dojo U Style Water Manometer
The Dojo University water manometer is a tool that can help us to achieve several essential goals in piping, including blowing at the chanter reed’s…
Correctly Simplify any Tune
Being able to properly simplify a tune on your own is a vital skill for any piper who wants to (expediently) get better. Unfortunately, bad…