How to Hemp Bagpipes

Time: 10 min – 2 hours (full set)

When: Re-hemp blowpipes every few months. Re-hemp tuning pins and tenons when hemp spins, deteriorates, or unravels.

What You Need:

  • Scissors
  • Cobbler’s wax
  • Unwaxed Yellow Hemp
  • Waxed Yellow Hemp (optional)
  • Black Waxed Hemp
  • Hemp Seal

Purpose

Hemp joints so your bagpipe is air-efficient and easy to tune. Wrapping evenly is important. Wrap drone tenons that fit into the stocks to create a snug, secure fit. Hemp tuning pins so the joints can be adjusted with 2 fingers. Remember that unwaxed hemp, especially, will swell with moisture when you play, so leave a little room. You can always add more hemp.