Well this thread is yielding some great info. Thanks all for sharing. I encourage those who are getting long in the tooth such as I, who wish to learn the pipes to at least give an honest try. there are several folks in the band I joined who are in their later years taking bagpipe lessons. We are having a blast and with weekly lessons the progress is quite quick. never know until you try. might surprise yourself..those looking for gear,

I get my stuff here

http://www.jhiggins.net/

I picked up the JC higgins chanter, tutor book and CD package...cant go wrong for the price