Bagpipers anyone?

[tuesdays chicks]

I think what you should do is go to scotland and find a nice set of used bagpipes in a antique shop or maybe a brand new set.

 

[EweSheep]

I know they would cost a thousand dollars and up for good ones!

 

[thaiturkey]

Here's a website that gives some idea of prices. Google 'bagpipes for sale' to find more.

http://www.bagpiper.com/classifieds/showcat.php?cat=2

Look at the metal and turned wooden parts and you will see why quality costs money. You can buy cheap from China and that might not be a bad idea until you know whether you will keep playing. On the other hand, a quality set should last a lifetime and you will always be able to sell them. I wouldn't buy anything from Pakistan but that's not for reasons of quality.

 

[DVMpiper]

Can someone tell me how I can find a manufactor's names on bagpipes?

Found one that can be a nice display.....but seller does not know of the manufactor's name. I would nto be surprise if it is Pakistan made.....perfect for wall hanging LOL!

But to play one, I dunno if I can afford the pricey ones!

Modern manufacturers will emboss the company name on the drones, sometimes in the groove at the top where the drone cords go. Others will do so on the stocks, the parts in the bag. Old pipes, really old pipes may need to be identified by the combing, the tiny grooves turned into the sides of the drones. The old makers usually had a unique pattern for their pipes. Many good makes out there, one even in the US, Gibson. Some very nice ones are made in Canada. I have a set of Kintails made in Scotland. Not top end, but we win competitions across the US. Most folks need to hear the different sets to find a sound they like. Drones can have different tonal qualities from brassy or buzzy, to rich and mellow. Get the advice of someone who has been playing awhile and if you can visit a pipe band practice near you, best option to hear different set of pipes. If you get the set your looking at, have someone set them up and play them to evaluate them. Be careful with old, unplayed pipes, as the wood dries out and can crack when moisture is put back in from playing. Doc Highland Bagpiper since 1997

 

[EweSheep]

Welcome Piper!

Thanks for the suggestions! Haven't found one yet!

How would kids play it? I know my daughter would love to try her hand at it. She will be 8.

 

[DVMpiper]

Well, need to find someone who gives lessons. This is an instrument that requires somebody to teach the correct way to play. Your daughter is old enough, although it may take Mom and Dad to keep her focused with it. There is an old saying, "It is 7 years to the making of a piper". If you stay focused, it will happen. Folks that try to learn on their own usually develop really bad mistakes and bad playing technique that are harder to re-teach than starting from scratch. Start by getting a practice chanter and the College of Piping Tutor Book 1. Most bagpipe supply places have these, even package them together to get folks started. I learned on it and most teachers like how it progresses students along. Wait a while before purchasing a full set until you know she'll stick with it. Expensive hobby I like to say.

Kids can play pipes just as well as adults. The setup just has to fit their bodies. So, that means the bags will be smaller and as they grow, you can get bigger sizes. Then they have to get used to the weight of a set of pipes. Hold someone's set when you get a chance and you'll get an idea of the heft of them. Even folks with asthma play pipes and some say that it helps them strengthen the muscles and many may not even need inhalers and such. The hardest part of piping is the coordination and how much of it is subconscious. I usually tell my prospective students and folks who ask, if you can't walk and chew gum at the same time, you probably can't play the pipes. You are doing about 4-5 things when on parade: Marching, in step; playing music from memory, no sheet music; squeezing the bag while blowing into it to maintain steady pressure; plus dodging the piles of horse crap in the street from the mounted units in front of you! But seriously, I had a teacher at a pipe school tell us these are crude instruments developed by crude people, Meaning, simple folk without sophisticated education back in the day. So if they could do it, we can do it nowadays.

Good luck on getting her going and if you have questions, always feel free to contact me about piping!

Doc

 

[EweSheep]

There was an excellent instructor (husband and wife) in Springfield, IL however for some reason, either she was overwhelmed or got other things in priority elsewhere, it was a big turn off for all of us, felt pushed away from her. Had a hard time reaching her by emails or she simply didn't respond back. It has been a while.

So we hope we can find one locally, gas gets expensive for a 48 mile trip one way once a week for those bagpipe lessons.

So are the dancing lessons too.

 

[DVMpiper]

There are folks who instruct over the 'Net and Skype. Try this site for some info and resources:
Bob Dunsire's Bagpipe Directory

 

[EweSheep]

We have a chanter but it was an el cheapo, played badly LOL! Hubby didn't know any better when I saw the chanter and told him that it was Pankistan made piece of crap. Oh yeah its a lovely mantle piece LOL! When played, it swacked LOL! Might just use that darn thing for duck call!

What gets me are the finger holes, you have to crook your wrist a bit to get down to the last hole. Mind you, I do not have big hangs or long fingers. I used to play clarinet in grade school but uncertain if it can be played like wise.

 

[DVMpiper]

Well, it does take some time to get used to the positioning. The wrist stays straight and youur fingers stay straight, only bending at the first knuckle next to the palm. You don't play with the fingertips. You won't be able to play embellishments and such without that.