the bagpipe question

[philbo]

I don't know about the rest of you, but one of the most common questions people have been asking me lately is "Do you play the bagpipes?" Now I wish I had a witty reply to this question, as I'm sick of just shrugging my shoulders and saying no. People generally continue to press the subject though. "Well, are you going to learn? Do you know any pipers? When are you going to get your own pipes? How much do they cost?" Knowing nothing about bagpipes, I'd prefer to say something that would quickly get them off the subject, but I'm at a loss here. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Miah]

"no, but I got a pipe YOU can play"
well that may be a bit harsh.

[bubba]

I don't know about the rest of you, but one of the most common questions people have been asking me lately is "Do you play the bagpipes?" Now I wish I had a witty reply to this question, as I'm sick of just shrugging my shoulders and saying no. People generally continue to press the subject though. "Well, are you going to learn? Do you know any pipers? When are you going to get your own pipes? How much do they cost?" Knowing nothing about bagpipes, I'd prefer to say something that would quickly get them off the subject, but I'm at a loss here. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I have a couple ways of answering that one. First, on the serious side, bagpipes of any quality are very expensive, over the $1000 mark, putting them out of my financial reach.
Then, one the lighter side, I'm a gentleman. A gentleman is someone who can play the pipes, and won't.

[g koch]

I luv posting links!

http://www.hotpipes.com/p1main.html

The pipe nazis might frown but polypenco pipes sound better than **** rosewood pipes, are way more durable than the blackwood pipes and Dunbar aint no slouch.

[bubba]

I luv posting links!

http://www.hotpipes.com/p1main.html

The pipe nazis might frown but polypenco pipes sound better than **** rosewood pipes, are way more durable than the blackwood pipes and Dunbar aint no slouch.

but if I had $545 I'd spend it on kilts

[g koch]

but if I had $545 I'd spend it on kilts :D[/quote]

I know, we're all about playing dress-up not pipes.

[Alaskan Celt]

[Blu (Ontario)]

Here's a couple of my typical bagpipe come-backs....:
Do you play the bagpipes?
- No, but I play the radio allot!
-Not within earshot of anyone!

Where are your bagpipes?
-Same place as yours / your husbands!
-they're getting "aired out"!

These are usually enough to throw them off balance.

blu

[Graham]

I usually get asked if I'm in a pipe band, well since I'm vice pres. of our local band I can truthfully answer 'yes', but I don't like to. I would rather break this association between kilts and pipes than perpetuate it.

Garments, not costumes!!

[Alaskan]

Here in Japan I ask people "Do you have to play the shamisen to wear a kimono?"

In the states you could say "You don't have to sing country music to wear a cowboy hat."

I am sure that there is some kind of equivalent for wherever anyone here lives.