Piping Progression

**SteveB** · 17th May 09, 07:37 PM

OhioPiper,
I have ordered a full set of Abbott reeds from Dunbar on the suggestion of my tutor. (I am a beginning student on the practice chanter) the present use planned for the smallpipes is to cork the drones, so that I can start to learn to goose my practice chanter work. The idea of getting the smallpipes was that if I had just gotten a goose, I would progress to the Highland pipes and have a closet shelf decoration. Getting the smallpipes would give the goose and in instrument that I could use for indoor entertainment in the future.

Mr. Woolery,
The set I have comes with a Walsh plastic chanter. While my tutor was playing them in the original configuration they sounded good, and in tune, even though the presence was a bit anemic. I only needed a very small amount of hemp to fit my Dunbar long Blackwood chanter with its Abbott reed into the smallpipes. My tutor than played with it a bit. We found the sound to be much better and very present. He feels that I should soon be able to use them for some indoor performance work.

The only way to make this journey is with a top quality piper that will tutor you based on your personal skill developmental levels. I have been blessed by one.

**ohiopiper** · 17th May 09, 09:01 PM

Steve, I originally got the Kitchen Pipes for the same reason. Now the wife and I are going to a different church (we moved) and I'm the music director now. So the little pipes get fired up every few months for a hymn or two. Special thanks to Dr. Kieth MacDonald from Canada and his Church Piper series. The large pies would be way too loud for this church, it's a small sanctuary.

After I ordered the pipes, I plugged in my Dunbar PC, a millenium model with the O-rings. Still got hemp on the tuning pins and drone stock, of course.

Anyway, have fun with them. When I got mine I didn't touch my GHB for almost two weeks.

**MacHummel** · 18th May 09, 07:20 AM

I have a set of walsh small pipes and my dunbar P3, i have to say when I pplay the small pipes more I have a bit of time to get my blowing used to the GHP something to think about my pipe teacher went the same way with me but said it was time to concentrat on one or the other.

**SteveB** · 18th May 09, 10:36 PM

MacHummel,
My tutor believes that using the smallpipes as a step toward the GHB is the way I should go. I am an old man and am not in the greatest physical condition. I get winded easily at the present. The smallpipes will give me the chance to build up the stamina to tackle the GHB. 10 minutes today, fifteen tomorrow, etc. I hope that it works out that way.
Slainte

**MacHummel** · 19th May 09, 04:08 AM

I'm it will no offence intended by my comment .

**drobin** · 19th May 09, 08:51 PM

Best wishes on the endeavor, I can totally relate. My piping instructor has used the Yoda "too old" joke already. So have fun; doing it for yourself is the best reason to stick with it through the rough times.

**SteveB** · 20th May 09, 04:47 PM

Darren,
There is no doubt that some day in the future I will be playing the Great Highland Bagpipes. I do not care how long it takes. I am more interested in learning to be a good piper. Whatever time that takes. Right now i enjoy an hour or more each night perfecting my technique on gracenotes, throws, grips, strikes, burls, and whatever other exercises my tutor can give me to teach these old fingers new tricks.
Thus far it is working very well, and I am enjoying the ride. Now that summer is here, not sure the neighbours are.
Slainte

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 20th May 09, 05:30 PM

I also am trying to learn, and have pipers who will help but are not close. Got a mcCallum practice chanter, and countersunk the holes a bit more so I can feel them better.

Was fortunate that a parishoner friend of my daughter's loaned me an old set of Dallas pipes with a Hardy chanter. I also am far from being a piper, but those pipes sound great (the tone, I mean, not the playing)

You're fortunate to have tutors so close.

I also made a practice chanter out of the Hardy with a piece of plastic pipe, a wine cork, and a small plastic tube. Helps to get the feel of the larger holes in the Hardy.

**SteveB** · 20th May 09, 06:14 PM

Ozark Ridge Rider,
I do not own a set of Great Highland Bagpipes yet. I will hold off until the tutor thinks that I am ready. Many tunes memorized and played properly first. The smallpipes are being used as a goose most of the time. Though sounding horrid at first, I am getting the breath and squeeze thing slowly learned. In a week it has helped strengthen the lung staying power. Now to be able to strike them up and end properly.....

**ohiopiper** · 23rd May 09, 07:41 PM

Use the Kitchen Pipes as a stepping stone, then abandon them for a while as you move to the GHB. After you're comfortable with some ability on the GHB, you can use the small pipes as a practice instrument or indoor fun and frolic. I use mine to play hymns at church, as we have a small church and I'd deafen those who aren't already in such small confines with the Highland Pipes.