Where's your Bagpipes?

[NSpiper]

I own a set of McCallum pipes as well, and think they are really great. Bagpipes can be kind of expensive, but I couldn't put a price on the enjoyment playing has and continues to bring me. I wouldn't trade them for anything. Just my opinion of course, it is a substantial investment of money and time.

[cajuncelt]

I have to jump on this band wagon too. I also play a set of McCallum Ab2's. Not only are the pipes great, but the customer service is the best. A set of the basic AB0's are also really the cheapest ($800 or so) quality pipes you can find. You will be MISERABLE with a cheap SW Asian set. I guess it depends on how serious you are and whether the sound, maintenance, ect. is important.

[Lambda]

I've been curious about this as well. I've been looking at McCallum and Naill pipes. I'm just kind of curious as to which makers are better than others out there. I see that McCallum already has quite a few votes. Anywho, thanks for the info!

[Kiltedfirepiper]

you could also go to bobdunsire.com trading post and pick up a good set probably alot cheaper than new and you'll know its playable

[Hamish]

Alex, do it if you possibly can. I do SO regret giving up my private lessons all those years ago. The trouble was that I just could not get to grips with learning to read music (there were other problems too, but that was the main one). I still cannot and am convinced I am now too old to start over.

I hope to hear soon that you have re-invested and have resumed playing.

[auld argonian]

I'm just curious about hearing from someone who plays the pipes AND doesn't have an axe to grind in this "Far Eastern versus the 'Real Thing'" discussion AND who has actually tried the FC pipes. Judging by the photos on the FC website, they're selling what looks like the same stuff that other internet dealers...I would expect that it's possible, though, that someone over there might be working up to the tolerances necessary for a set of those pipes to be considered "playable" but not necessarily "excellent".

From what I heard over the past weekend at the Highland Games, even the name-brand pipes end up needing modifications to suit the individual player and to fit in with a band's sound. We've heard that someone in the forum did get a set of the "Far-Eastern" pipes "playable" after a certain amount of re-adjusting and part substitutions.

I'm not trying to be pro or con on this topic but I would like to see someone who's a qualified player give an impartial opinion once and for all...

Best

AA

[pipesndrumsnun]

Well, blackwood afficianados may disagree with me, but, may I suggest the Dunbar P1 pipes? That is what I have and they are really very nice (and, they are much less expensive than blackwood, AND, as an added bonus, they are very durable and don not require as much to maintain 'em!).
By the way...I hear that you are NEVER too old to learn! Especially if you are playing for enjoyment (your own and others)!
I'm just starting out at age 33 (drat! my secret revealed...hee, hee!), and will never be a competition piper or the like, but I hope to have years of enjoyment for myself and others.

[cajuncelt]

I agree. I almost bought a set of these and might still in the future. I have heard Dunbar's polys and they sound GREAT. The McCallums were so close in price though I couldn't pass them up.

Well, blackwood afficianados may disagree with me, but, may I suggest the Dunbar P1 pipes? That is what I have and they are really very nice (and, they are much less expensive than blackwood, AND, as an added bonus, they are very durable and don not require as much to maintain 'em!).
By the way...I hear that you are NEVER too old to learn! Especially if you are playing for enjoyment (your own and others)!
I'm just starting out at age 33 (drat! my secret revealed...hee, hee!), and will never be a competition piper or the like, but I hope to have years of enjoyment for myself and others.

[Panache]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I should note that I do not use this phrase loosely. I am quite proud of our forum and the fact that we can offer our opinions and disagree and still remain the Ladies and Gentlemen of X Marks the Scot. There have been some pretty good points raised here from some experienced pipers. I would like all of you to keep the following in mind.

"****" is a derrogatory term. It would certainly be appreciated if this word never showed up on our forum again. Futhermore it would be the sign of good fellowship to edit a previous post and change this offensive term.

Keep in mind there may very well be some aspiring pipers reading this thread that are awfully proud of their pipes (wherever they come from) and their efforts. One can offer advice without insult (as many have been able to do on this thread).

Beware Gross Generalizations! To say that all the pipes (or kilts, or whatevers) you have experienced from a certain place have not met your standards is one thing. To pronounce that every such item made there is terrible may not be that accurate. Once not too long ago Japanese cars were regarded as cheaply made and flimsy, who is to say where bagpipes made in Pakistan may go.

Cheers

Jamie

[Bob C]

I'm just curious about hearing from someone who plays the pipes AND doesn't have an axe to grind in this "Far Eastern versus the 'Real Thing'" discussion AND who has actually tried the FC pipes. Judging by the photos on the FC website, they're selling what looks like the same stuff that other internet dealers...I would expect that it's possible, though, that someone over there might be working up to the tolerances necessary for a set of those pipes to be considered "playable" but not necessarily "excellent".

From what I heard over the past weekend at the Highland Games, even the name-brand pipes end up needing modifications to suit the individual player and to fit in with a band's sound. We've heard that someone in the forum did get a set of the "Far-Eastern" pipes "playable" after a certain amount of re-adjusting and part substitutions.

I'm not trying to be pro or con on this topic but I would like to see someone who's a qualified player give an impartial opinion once and for all...

Best

AA

Agreed. I wonder how many of these experts on Frugal Corner pipes have ever tried a set.