Time to start on the Pipes.....

**beerbecue** · 26th January 07, 09:07 AM

Well....

Found out at my last lesson that my piping instructor wants to start me on the pipes with three other students, mainly so that I won't be left behind (I started last on the practice chanter)....

So, the original plan was ~1 year on the PC, then to pipes.... Plenty of time to save up for a nice set.....

Instead..... 4 months into the PC, time to get pipes.......

AAARRGGGHHHHH!!!!! I don't have that kind of cash just laying around.......

**Fearnest** · 26th January 07, 09:59 AM

Do you have a spare cat hanging around you could just torture instead?

OK, for the sincere reply - I envy you your problem! 'tis a noble thing to be wedded to the pipes! (Just try not to auction off any kilts to fund this part of the addiction.)

Loud Pipes Save Lives! (Borrowed from my other addiction.)

**auld argonian** · 26th January 07, 10:00 AM

Okay...there's always a way to work things like this out.

The easy ones that spring to mind are:

Local pipe band that can arrange a set of "loaners".

Reasonably priced "used".

Somewhere that has a "rent with option to buy" option...works with kids and violins all the time.

I know it's tough...it's almost easier to play the guitar...just got a new improved axe for my daughter to replace the "Esteban" special that my well-intentioned mom gave her. We found the one she wanted and ended up paying less for the middle-range model than we would have paid for the low-end model at the shops...the internet is your friend. Of course you can sink beaucoup $'s on a new Les Paul or SG...more than some sets of pipes that I've seen. It's often a case of knowing someone who's got the inside dope on what's available and what it's worth. People who truly love any discipline or art form will always help out dedicated beginners...it's sort of part of the mission statement.

So buck up...even a set of Dunbars are only hovering in the ~$700 range...for a decent musical instrument that will give a lifetime of pleasure that's not too bad. At the worst you may just have to tell the instructor that it's just not the right time and you'll have to wait until the next go-round to pick up a set of pipes.

Best

AA

**thescot** · 26th January 07, 10:31 AM

I like what the argonian just wrote. I've been playing guitar since I was 11, and money spent on a cheap musical instrument is not money well spent. I have a guitar--hand made, etc.--that cost a king's ransom, but I've had it about 20 years and it looks brand new. I spent about a year paying it off--yes you can finance an instrument at usurious rates--but I am glad I did.

Just figure out how to invest in a good set of pipes that will last your lifetime and then go to your grandson. It may not happen today, but you can probably figure it out fairly soon.

Congratulations on making it to the big time. I envy you.

**Macman** · 26th January 07, 11:01 AM

Congratulations, BBQ! You'll find a way. Like others have said, maybe there's a set you could borrow from someone who has them "under the bed" until you get the cash together to buy a set for yourself.

**McClef** · 26th January 07, 11:10 AM

My piping course has just arrived but I think it's going to be a little while before I have to worry about the pipes!

**Planopiper** · 26th January 07, 11:15 AM

Why do you have to worry about being left behind? Are you sharing a lesson with the other 2? If you're paying for lessons, you should be able to work at your own speed. If you're sharing a free class with others, your instructor may not want to wait for you, but I don't think it's a good idea to make someone start working on the pipes if he's not ready.

I have a student who has only been on the chanter for about 4 months and has ordered a set of pipes that should arrive in about a month. He's definitely not ready to play on the pipes yet, but I'll get him practicing his blowing. That will take some tiome for him to get reasonably good at before he tries plaing anything on the chanter.

**auld argonian** · 26th January 07, 11:23 AM

You know, you'd think that RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) would offer low interest bagpipe loans, wouldn't you?

Best

AA

**McMurdo** · 26th January 07, 11:29 AM

Congratulations, I guess looking for used from a local pipe band might be the best, I was learning them when I was a kid and would have got my folks to buy them for me, but that doesnt work forever.

**PiobBear** · 27th January 07, 08:02 AM

It's good to go ahead and get started on the pipes; one of the biggest complaints about newbies is that they can't tune or blow steady, and that's because they spent a year plus exclusively on a practice chanter, and were put on pipes only as an afterthought.
On the other hand, you don't need to be rushed when purchasing your first set of pipes, especially if you're looking for a deal on a used set. Get the best you can reasonably afford; you'll only have to buy them once, they'll be easier to learn on and play, and they'll retain their resale value. Do not under any circumstances buy a cheap **** set; it's hard enough to learn to pipe on a good set of pipes, much less on a congenitally out-of-tune, leaky, wonky set of balsa wood that would drive an experienced piper crazy.
The "Trading Post" on Bob Dunsire's Bagpipe Forum is a good place to keep an eye out for used pipes, but before plonking any money down you'd do best to discuss it with your tutor.
My preference is McCallum's; The Piper's Hut has AB1's for $950.00.