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"Hemp" is the yellow string that we use to wrap our joints.  Originally, pipers' "hemp" was actually made from hemp, but these days the string is made from linen. Pipers have traditionally rubbed wax on the yellow hemp to make it more water resistant and longer lasting.  These days, you can buy pre-waxed hemp in yellow or black colors — which is a more convenient option than applying your own beeswax or cobbler's wax. But the wax tends to break down and then hemp absorbs moisture and swells. This causes the joint to get tight. Then when the hemp dries out, it shrinks and the joint gets loose. Eventually the hemp will start to breakdown, rot and disintegrate. For many applications, instead of hemp, I actually use waxed dental floss. Floss has some great advantages: it's easy to obtain it's inexpensive it comes in a handy dispenser it doesn't absorb water it doesn't break down ...