Pipers What d'ya blow and why?

[OC Richard]

I play a set of Hendersons. ( New RG Hardie unfortunately, not the old ones)

Why, because I got them for nothing.

Neil it would be interesting to hear what pipes were your first set, and what pipes you've played over the years, if you wouldn't mind sharing.

I find it interesting how some pipers (like me) aquire and shed sets over the years, while other pipers don't. I know a couple pipers who still, 40 or 50 years later, still play the set they first learned on as kids (silver and ivory "classic" Hendersons... their fathers were established pipers themselves and owned multiple "classic" sets).

[Dram]

I play a set of Atherton's although I haven't been playing recently. I'm also a big fan of classic bagpipes and prefer MacDougall and Glen.

Someday, I'd like to own several sets of vintage/classic pipes.

[piperchris]

My pipes are Nails and I love them! They are a "pre-owned" set but in beautiful shape and plenty loud!

[Eric Schutte]

I have a set of Brazilian Kingwood pipes made by the late Norman Angus Kyle of Alberta Canada. These were handmade by Mr. Kyle in remembrance of the Dunblane Massacre. I play Shepherd synthetic drone reeds. The pipes have a "sweet" sound similar to McLellands. I love em!

[ohiopiper]

I've got a set of Gibsons that I rarley play anymore and a set of Dunbars that I really like the sound of. For my own enjoyment, its Husk cane drone reeds and a Soutar chanter reed. For public stuff, it's the same chanter reed with EZ-drone reeds.

[hkjrb623]

In my current state of learning, just a Gibson long practice chanter. I have a set of McCallum polys waiting for when I'm ready. I have already discovered an error in GHB training, there is no example of how to properly bang the chanter against your forehead in disgust. This being my first woodwind instrument, I utilize this unwritten technique often.

[OC Richard]

I have a set of Brazilian Kingwood pipes made by the late Norman Angus Kyle of Alberta Canada.

Any photos of your set? I'd love to see it.

Our band, back around 1980 or so, got a set of Kyle plastic chanters. They were one of the best band chanters going at that time! They weren't like the poly chanters everyone makes today, they were very thin flexible plastic with a ribbed top to make them easier to take out of the stock.

One of the coolest piping-related things I've ever seen is the clear plastic full set made by Kyle. They were displayed at a booth at the Santa Rosa Games back around 1980. Various good pipers were taking turns playing them. You could see the cane drone reeds vibrating inside the clear stocks. The bag was clear vinyl and you could see it getting foggy inside and see the "pure water" dripping off the end of the blowstick and pooling up at the back corner of the bag. These pipes sounded fantastic.

Don't know if this is the same set, or the same maker, but it's a clear set I came across somewhere

[The Monk]

McCallum AB3D's, MCC2 blackwood chanter, Kinnaird drone reeds, Abedour or Apps chanter reed, Bannatyne hybrid bag.

I've also got a set of poly kitchen pipes and practice chanters from Gibson (poly), Walsh (poly), Dunbar (poly) and McCallum (blackwood).

[KWD]

I play a set of 1950's Lawries that I got at a steal, these are my first pipes, since I have been playing under a year, but I love the sound. I use EZdrone reeds, and a Shepard poly pipe chanter.

[Kilted Karl]

McCallums of course!!!! They are wonderful 'pipes.... of course I am biased.

I do not remember the exact model but they are African Blackwood with a poly chanter.

Your Obedient Servant,

Karl :ootd: