K-Valves

K-Valves are a new type of drone valve for the Great Highland Bagpipe that offers a minimally restrictive air flow to the drone reeds and a crisp, clean strike in and cut-off of the drone sound.

Some competition bands require their pipers to use a type of drone valve or plug for cleaner and more consistent attacks and cut-offs. Other pipers like this feature for playing solo as they feel it gives them better control of their strike in and cut off.

One issue with other fine devices on the market is the reduced air flow into the drone reeds. While this restriction reduces the tone and volume from the drones, it does aid the piper to blow steadier.

K-Valves are different in that they offer such a low air flow restriction that the degradation in tone and volume is hardly noticeable. We checked the drones with a sound level meter and chanter stock plugged. The meter read between 85 and 87 db (decibels – A scale) without the valves installed and the meter hand held above the chanter stock. After installing the valves, readings were taken at the same point and were between 84 and 86 db. There appears to be very little, if any, restriction.

K-Valves are fully and easily adjustable. Just hemp the body with whatever type of hemp you prefer and install in the bottom of the drone stocks. The valve pre-load can be changed by backing the screw out to increase the tension on the rubber valve. Should more tension be desired, pull the elastic thread further out of the rubber stopper in the head of the screw and slide the small rubber plug towards the valve in small increments.

It is not necessary to remove the K-Valves from the bag to balance the strike in point of your drones. With most pipe bags you can pinch the adjusting screw through the bag and do not have to open it at all! This has not been a problem even for pipers with hybrid pipe bags. In many cases setup should only take a few minutes.

Note that the K-Valve design will only assist you in striking in and cutting off your drones.  They will not make up for inefficient or poor drone set up.  

Are K-Valves difficult to install?

Not at all. Just hemp them up and insert them into the bottom of the drone stocks. Just remember to make sure the adjustment thread is tucked inside the valve so it doesn't catch in the hemp. There are a few things to be aware of during installation. Just follow the installation instructions included with each set. 

Are they hard to adjust?

The K-Valves were designed to be easily adjusted once installed. All you need to do is pinch the adjusting screw from the outside the bag and give it a twist. There is no need to re-enter the bag once the valve is in place.

How do I balance the valves so they all open at the same time?

After the K-Valves are installed, remove the drones and blow up the bag slowly. You should be able to hear when each valve opens. To add more tension to the valve, turn the screw out. This will change when the valve opens. Once you have the valves adjusted as you desire, put your drones back in and strike up your pipes. Instructions are included with each set of K-Valves.

Do the K-Valves ever need to be serviced?

The K-Valves were designed for long and rugged service, but they are on the inside of your bag. When you clean the inside of your pipe bag you should remove the K-valves and the hemp on the valves. Rinse them off with  a very small amount of soap and water and rinse completely.

I have the Ross Canister moisture control system installed, can I still use  K-valves?

Unfortunately, the K-Valves will not work with any moisture control system that covers the bottom of the drone stocks.

I don't have a zippered pipe bag. Can I still use K-Valves?

Having a zipper in the pipe bag does make it easier to install K-Valves, but you can still use them in a non-zippered hide pipe bag. You will have to remove a stock to install them and re-tie in the stock.

I have a split-stock tube type of a water trap. Do I have to untie a stock to install the K-Valves?

Maybe not. You can remove the tube trap and see if the K-Valve body will slide through the larger stock. If it does, you're in good shape as the valve body was designed to fit through most split-stock tube type of water traps.

How long is the warranty?

The K-Valves are made from exceptionally durable delrin and are warranted for 6 months from date of purchase against defects in material and workmanship. Pipers have been using K-Valves for over 3 years without any issues. Should you experience any problems with performance return the valve in question to your dealer and it will be repaired or replaced at no charge. The customer is responsible for the shipping and or postage both ways.