What is an Interchangeable Stock?

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.

2 thoughts on “What is an Interchangeable Stock?

    1. 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

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