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Here are some stability indicators for the _Pipers' Review_ model of the Penny-Chanter and the Belfast prototype model (which toured the German and Belfast Tionols in winter 97).
Pressures given in inches of water, measuring on the u-shaped water tube manometer, total difference in elevation between high side's level and low side's.
In each arm the water moved up or down half this amount. It doesn't matter which way pressure is measured (change in one arm or total distance between high and low sides) so long as the method is specified clearly and the units of measurement stated when quoting absolute bag pressure.
For percentage changes, it doesn't matter, nor is it important whether the distances are measured in metric or English units etc.
Quinn style reed set to medium strength, a very normal elevation, same reed used in each chanter.
| Mode | Minimum Pressure | Maximum Pressure |
| Soft Bottom D, 1st octave E & E-flat |
17 | 18 |
| Hard Bottom D | 20 | 21 |
| 1st octave F# to back D |
17 | 21 |
| 2nd octave E-flat' to B' except A' |
20 | -- |
| 2nd octave A' rolls without dropping |
21 | -- |
| Back D Stability | 17 | 23 |
The first octave can be played almost at constant pressure, perhaps a 10% reduction in pressure being useful for reliable soft bottom D and the E's to prevent octave jumping.
Back D is very stable.
The 2nd octave requires only around 10% pressure increase or as little as none at all for many notes, depending on how strongly the 1st octave is being blown.
2nd octave A is slightly less stable than the other notes. Venting of the G' (bottom forefinger) may help in some cases or another 5% to 10% pressure increase.
| Mode | Minimum Pressure | Maximum Pressure |
| Soft Bottom D, 1st octave E & E-flat |
14 | 15 |
| Hard Bottom D | 16 | 18 |
| 1st octave F# to back D |
14 | 16 |
| 2nd octave E-flat' to G' |
18 | -- |
| 2nd octave A' & B' rolls without dropping |
21 | -- |
| Back D Stability | 14 | 23 |
Much the same patterns as the Review chanter except a more linear pressure response in the 2nd octave. Both A' and B' require some extra pressure. A slightly greater overall pressure range for this chanter although a bit less for the hard bottom D.
An exceptionally stable back D, almost a 50% pressure tolerance range.
End of Penny-Chanter Pressure Readings Page
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