goose?

**Nick the DSM** · 28th June 08, 04:35 PM

I have been playing the chanter of like 6 months with lessons. i ve been surfing the web on pipes and stuff and i came across this thing called a "goose". it said that it was for students to practice winding and stuff. would that be something to get for the future or should just wait a few more months until i should be able to get the bagpipes?

**Thunderbolt** · 28th June 08, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by Nick the DSM

I have been playing the chanter of like 6 months with lessons. i ve been surfing the web on pipes and stuff and i came across this thing called a "goose". it said that it was for students to practice winding and stuff. would that be something to get for the future or should just wait a few more months until i should be able to get the bagpipes?

A goose is simply a stand of bagpipes with the drones corked off, playing the chanter only. So, wait until you get a good set and you'll have a goose, too!

As you are learning, you teacher should have you start with just the goose to learn proper breath control, squeezing and blowing steady, as well as building your lip more.

Who's your instructor?

T.

**Nick the DSM** · 28th June 08, 07:37 PM

Timmy Hord of the Loch Norman Pipe Band.

**Mr. Woolery** · 30th June 08, 05:04 PM

There's also the "practice goose" which is just a practice chanter with a bag.

I don't think there's any real advantage to it. I played my shuttle pipes for years before I went to the GHB and there was no real advantage to having learned the blow-squeeze routine on an easier instrument first. There was still a big learning curve when transitioning over to the big pipes. The real advantage of a practice goose or small pipe (that you don't use for performance - they are a legitimate and wonderful instrument on their own) is being able to practice longer than your lips would allow with a practice chanter alone.

I'd personally give this one a miss. Unless your instructor wants to integrate it into your lessons. Otherwise, keep the money for the extra reeds you will end up wanting to get. Because the reeds that come with the pipes will probably be the right ones, but you really want to try a different brand...

Yeah.

Not a cheap hobby, but the most satisfying way to make music I know. After all, there's really only two kinds of people in the world. Those of us who love bagpipes and those who throw rocks at us when we play at 3 am.

-Patrick

**Nick the DSM** · 30th June 08, 05:45 PM

hahaha, i dont think i'll play at 3 o clock in the morning!

yeah, maybe i should just save for the bigger than spending it on that.

**JerseyLawyer** · 30th June 08, 05:54 PM

There's nothing wrong with a goose, per se, but yes, I'd say just wait until you get your pipes. Besides, once you have your pipes, you can cork the drones off at the stock and use either a lot of hemp, or an adaptor, to make a goose with your practice chanter and pipe bag, if you want to.

I had a fairly traditional piping education, and I can't recall that I ever used a goose.