Bagpipe Chanter Humidity Cap

cults3d

This is my version of a humidity cap for a bagpipe chanter. Basically it allows one to keep their chanter reed at a stable humidity level when not playing. This generally allows the reed to tune faster and stay in tune longer. I've been using one of these (my design) for about 2 months. I've found that when I play in a consistent environment, like the air conditioned room where we have band practice, I only have to make minor adjustments week to week to keep it in tune. By minor I mean maybe moving one piece of tape. It's a bit wonky if you play outside in the South Florida summer damp then the next day go inside to play in the freezing A/C that most places have during the summer. The cap helps, I know I only need a half turn of the reed depending on where I play. There is an inner sleeve that physically protects the reed. This has holes in the sides of the sleeve to allow for air to circulate. Between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve there is space for a humidity packet. The standard one is 84% but honestly you can go with whatever level you want with the appropriate packet. The hole and screw are threaded, 1/4-20. When I print it the threads come out usable but I do tap the hole to make it a bit easer. I use a mini hygrometer thermometer and Boveda Wooden Instrument humidity packets, 84% size 8. Both of these I got on Amazon but you can find them on other sites. There are links below. I've printed them in ABS and PLA. On my Ender 3 Pro PLA prints better so I generally use that. If you use the PLA you either have to use two of the packets or you need to seal the the print with paint or a clear coat. I think this has something to do with the hydroscopic nature of PLA. I think if you give it a week or two to season you could probably get away with using one packet without sealing it but I'm impatient and just seal it. With the ABS I vapor polish them and that seals it. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07FCPJRFH?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TSI9STO?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details