Chad,

Flat F's can be a tough row to hoe and C's can be just as aggravating. Here're some techniques I've learnt over the years. The 'invasive' ones should be the last tried, since the reed will be forever altered.

One of more of these should solve your problem.

1) Try pinching the soundbox of the reed. Hold it for a minute or two. Just enough pressure to close the lips. You may need multiple attempts before writing off this fix.

2) Because you stated the notes are outta sync, I presume you mean the chanter is unbalanced. This could be the simplest fix of all.

Tape the Low A. By flattening that, you'll likely bring it into line with F and C too if it's not spot on. Doing this, you shouldn't need to sink the reed so far to get the High A balanced.

3) With a new razor, X-Acto, or scalpel blade and remove a 1/32" (or less if possible) of the blade of the reed. You must have a clean square cut. Don't saw it off - press down quickly & cleanly. Once done though, you can't put it back.

4) Shave the squared side edges of the reed, and RAISE (yes - raise) the reed in the seat slightly. Shave very sparingly and test it in the chanter frequently. Shaving edges of of the chanter reed blades narrows them and sharpens the reeds tone.

Also - I've never had good luck with Chris Hamilton's reeds. I've had excellent experiences though with Colin MacLellan's chanter reeds found here: www.pipereeds.com . First truly plug/play reeds I've seen in years.

Slainte,
steve