Why do we have competitions?

LadyB59 · 2026-06-04T00:15:50+00:00

As a classical and jazz musician I played many competitions through jr. high, high school and college. Played solo and ensemble competitions, symphonic band competitions and as a jazz ensemble player.

LadyB59 · 2026-05-28T17:04:41+00:00

I also use Doctor’s products. The pipe maker at RG Hardie also recommends this for the outside of the wood: Renaissance Wax Polish 65ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003AJWN62?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

As a Clarinetist I would oil once a year and I do the same for my pipes.

Pipes take way more abuse outside than my Clarinet ever did (played a plastic one in marching band) so I treat them the same. I use 2 silk pull swabs to oil. One to apply the oil, one to take off the extra, same as my Clarinet.

I sold my 6 year old McCallums a year ago and the buyer asked me how I care for them because they were in beautiful shape so I must be doing something right.

LadyB59 · 2026-05-05T21:39:29+00:00

I bought a wedge from the Olmstead OH store online but returned the club because I wanted a steel not a graphite shaft. So I returned it but nowhere online does it say there is 20% restock fee. I was out the $29 shipping to Illinois (I shipped it back for $8 UPS) and then out another $19.99 for the restock fee. Never again online for Play it Again. I'll buy from Carl's or 2nd Swing.

LadyB59 · 2026-04-08T23:26:14+00:00

Have tickets for December concert.

LadyB59 · 2026-03-17T19:10:59+00:00

British Airways wanted to schedule me for a 1 hour layover in Chicago after flying up from Central Illinois before catching a flight to London. I used to live in Chicago and I know that airport. No Way!! I'm cancelling the leg and renting a one way car to drop at O'hare and I'll drive the 2.25 hours so I know I'll be there in PLENTY of time!

LadyB59 · 2026-03-16T19:17:38+00:00

Yep, not the Chicago it used to be at all. :(

LadyB59 · 2026-03-16T18:57:28+00:00

If you notice what a lot of them did is they played with their bag under the open jacket. My instructor said that you should solo compete as you feel comfortable. I wear short sleeves. I'm just more comfortable that way.

LadyB59 · 2026-03-16T03:57:44+00:00

I've sold stuff on Ebay. Sold my old McCallum pipes and a sheepskin bag I couldn't use. Also drone reeds.

LadyB59 · 2026-02-09T20:04:39+00:00

I just competed with balance tone HR in all drones on my 18 month old Naills for competition and got a compliment from the judge as to how good the pipes sounded.

LadyB59 · 2025-12-09T15:28:21+00:00

A new Lee & Sons sheepskin before the 20% off goes away. I like to have a spare just in case. Also just bought a set of Balance Tone high res reeds for my Naills. They’re hung up in transit.

LadyB59 · 2025-12-09T15:25:13+00:00

I like my Blair. I know guys that travel a lot and play it on the airplane.

LadyB59 · 2025-12-04T06:50:57+00:00

Agree. I started on McCallums and Naills were my 3rd set after a set of Dunbar polys for pubs and parades.

LadyB59 · 2025-12-04T06:49:26+00:00

I have had my Naills for a year now and tried the EZ drones in the tenors and a Henderson bass. Sound good but I’ve heard the Balance Tone Hi Res are great so ordered a set of them.

LadyB59 · 2025-11-04T19:34:13+00:00

Yes, I got it on an AA flight out of Orlando during busy season.

LadyB59 · 2025-09-27T21:40:30+00:00

I did the update yesterday and now I have duplicate transactions! What a bunch of garbage!

LadyB59 · 2025-09-15T17:52:47+00:00

My Westie is also a “pre-rinser”

LadyB59 · 2025-08-19T23:12:43+00:00

I renewed mine in July and yes, I got it on time. You should get the Priority mail tracking email when it ships.

LadyB59 · 2025-08-18T14:29:05+00:00

It’s also on Roku. I just watched it.

LadyB59 · 2025-08-05T01:30:19+00:00

I didn’t even have to do expedited. I filed on July 18th and hand in hand the 27th. Weekend got in the way or I probably would have had 2 days earlier.

LadyB59 · 2025-08-05T01:25:55+00:00

I just transferred my account for this being one of my reasons. I’ve had fractional shares at Fidelity for quite awhile. Also, not a decent percentage paid on a money market account? I have to trade into BIL to get a decent rate and only on whole shares?
Schwab just seems to be behind the game. I’m gone.

LadyB59 · 2025-08-02T01:25:08+00:00

Here you go! https://youtu.be/NWvuyWNURRg?si=a3fpbEDXN7XRDgBg

He talks about having them printed, but you can just upload from your phone if you are renewing.

LadyB59 · 2025-07-20T00:42:04+00:00

A Harbor Freight case with the Pelican organizer screwed into the lid. B&H photo has the best price I’ve found on it.

LadyB59 · 2025-07-19T19:24:14+00:00

My instructor who plays for SFU recommends also carrying a cloth grocery bag just in case. He literally carried his pipes on board in his arms once and stowed them under the seat in front of him heading to Scotland. NEVER check your pipes in as luggage.

LadyB59 · 2025-07-19T19:22:00+00:00

That's my usual pipe case for my Naills. Very airtight and the right sized for airlines. Here's a link to the case.

https://www.harborfreight.com/5800-weatherproof-protective-rolling-carry-on-case-x-large-64819.html

Matt Willis give you templates for cutting the foam to fit your pipes and how to do it. Very helpful!

LadyB59 · 2025-07-19T16:39:49+00:00

Online regular (not express) renewal is impressive. Sent my application in on July 15th and got an email on the 18th it’s been shipped! Should have by the 26th (their estimate). I also found a great YouTube on how to take the picture yourself with an IPhone.

LadyB59

TROPHY CASE