| Playing the bagpipes is a great way to build up your | | | | signs to look for are changes in ability to breathe and |
| lung capacity and is great for the cardiovascular | | | | play, or voice fatigue. |
| system, but have you ever wondered what you might | | | | New technology has greatly reduced these issues. |
| be breathing in? | | | | Synthetic pipe bags, synthetic reeds and moisture |
| Not only is moisture control important for maintaining a | | | | control systems all help to reduce the amount of |
| steady & reliable instrument, but it can also | | | | moisture build up in an effort to keep the pipes clean |
| prevent the appearance of pathogens. Moisture can | | | | and pathogen free. Synthetic bags do not absorb |
| build up in many areas of the pipes, becoming a | | | | moisture like hide bags do and do not require |
| breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. | | | | seasoning, which greatly reduces the opportunity for |
| Being an organic substance, animal hide bags tend to | | | | fungi and bacterial growth. Synthetic drone reeds also |
| be great breeding grounds for bacteria. Moisture from | | | | reduce moisture build up, unlike cane reeds which can |
| the piper's mouth and lungs builds up over time inside | | | | absorb moisture. Best of all, moisture control systems |
| the bag causing bacteria and fungi to grow. Some bag | | | | are designed specifically to reduce the amount of |
| dressings can address this issue, but not completely | | | | moisture inside the bag. They come in a variety of |
| eliminate it. In fact, some dressings act as culture | | | | designs from a basic water trap to a desiccant filled |
| mediums for the bacteria. | | | | canister system. Their use will keep your pipes safe to |
| Pipe bags are not the only issue. Moisture can build up | | | | play. |
| on the reeds and in the drones. As the piper breathes, | | | | Always make sure you keep your pipes clean and dry |
| they may inhale any spores that have collected in the | | | | them out whenever you get the chance. Happy, and |
| pipes. This can lead to lung infections and diseases, | | | | healthy piping! |
| pneumonia, even brain diseases. Some early warning | | | | |