Richard York wrote:... I find it more comfortable, though that's maybe because I'm also used to ......
I think this is true of many aspects of Northumbrian piping.
I have tried the 'renaissance' method and it works OK but I think it is potentially limiting and the 'concensus' from old photographs seems to be that the bag should be at the side of the player, well up under the arm.
My personal opinion is that the player should apply pressure to the bag with the left upper arm and operate the bellows with the right upper arm. The forearms have no function except supporting the wrists and hands in the correct position to play the chanter. Ideally, I think the left forearm should not touch the bag. This gives the player more freedom to adjust the chanter position and the hand positions.
The bag must be the correct size for the player so that it fits comfortably under the armpit when almost fully inflated. At this point, the weight of the player's arm is almost sufficient to provide the required pressure. as the bag deflates, the player has to put more effort into squeezing the bag. This increase in effort signals the right arm to provide more air from the bellows. Thus, the player keeps the bag sufficiently full with a minimum expenditure of mental and physical effort.
SimpleS
Barry
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