Frugal Corner Pipes (review)

[davidlpope]

I applaud anti-snobbery. Beware of unintended consequences, though. Sometimes beginners start out by buying a set of inexpensive bagpipes, have difficulty getting them to play, and then scrap the whole notion of learning piping, which is a real shame, after having spent a couple hundred bucks.

I'd encourage anyone to start with a quality practice chanter and the College of Piping tutor book (with CD) if you have an interest. If you've already done that, put the money you would spend on a set of "wall-hangers" towards a fagerstrom electronic chanter if you're not willing to save for a higher quality set. Not as "sexy" or "cool-looking" but it is a great practice aid that will make it easier to learn to play and focuses your attention where it should be- on learning to do embellishments properly. Wives, parents, and co-workers will appreciate you being able to practice without having to "share" the experience. Most piping teachers won't put pupils on the pipes for 6-9 months anyway, so there's no reason to rush into buying a set of pipes.

I had a set of **** pipes when I first started piping. With lots and lots of effort (and unanticipated expense) you could tweak them enough to play. Now I have both a set of dunbar polypenco and a set of D. Naills. In retrospect, personally, I wish I had just saved my money and started with the Dunbars.

Cordially,
David