One of the features available on some sets of Northumbrian pipes is an interchangeable stock – here’s a description of what that means:
- Non-interchangeable: Chanter is plugged into a wooden stock that is tied into the neck of the bag. Unplugging the chanter exposes the reed.
- Interchangeable: A socket is tied into the bag and the chanter and stock are plugged in. Unplugging the stock protects the reed.
An interchangeable stocks is commonly used to allow a player with one set to switch between two or more chanters (e.g. 7k & 17k chanters or ‘F’ and ‘G’ chanters) whilst protecting the reed.
It is also possible to have an interchangeable dronestock – allowing you to swap sets of drones – but this is far less common and significantly more work to make.
Isn’t that also referred to as a “Split Stock” ?
I’ve not come across the term split stock in the world of Northumbrian pipes – but yes, looking at the SSP makers it’s the same thing.
cheers
Rob