can someone tell me about these bagpipes

**JimB** · 16th January 09, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by Macman

That's what I thought, too, so I bought them. I figured they were great value, and would be my first and last set of pipes.

OH, I am so jealous!

**castledangerous** · 16th January 09, 09:17 PM

Know nothing about the pipes themselves, but I know that Jim Thompson is a great guy. I went to the US School of Piping last summer that the manages. Can't imagine that he would steer you wrong.

**Nighthawk** · 17th January 09, 01:24 AM

Originally Posted by Macman

That's what I thought, too, so I bought them. I figured they were great value, and would be my first and last set of pipes.

I love this thread! Just to throw a wrench in the works here... what about those of us who are so clumsy that our families insist on plastic silverwear because we're less likely to severely impale the cats with those? People like me... who broke our first blackwood chanter almost as soon as we got it home, thereby severely hampering our ability to practice... If you are like me, and the idea of spending upwards of a grand on something that I am likely to break in a matter of weeks is horrifying, then the Dunbars look like a pretty sweet deal.

Just my thoughts on the matter. And this is the reason that I can't be talked out of my set of P1's in favor of a wood set. I'd love to have a blackwood set, but it's just not a good idea for people like me.

And there are more of out there than you think. Consider that the next time you see someone running with scissors.

**Macman** · 17th January 09, 01:16 PM

Nighthawk, my wife doesn't trust me with anything sharp or pointy for the same reason. I love sharp and pointy things, but I have a bad habit of making mistakes with them that cause red stuff to ooze/run/squirt out of my body. I have the stitches to prove it.
It took me a long time to work up to and save up for buying pipes, so I'm very, very careful with them. That said, it's a good thing there are so many choices, so we can all get what works best for ourselves. Different pipes for different folks!

**Mr. Woolery** · 17th January 09, 08:27 PM

If you honestly won't take care of a blackwood set, then get the plastic. If you are unable or unwilling to treat them with care, then you probably do have a good reason to get poly. My question would be whether you really are this clumsy or just are overly worried about the possible delicacy of wooden pipes. McCallum gives a 2-year warranty, Soutar gives a lifetime warranty, others have other warranties. Just to consider.

For me, my pipes were a gift from my wife and she told me to pick out the pipes I really want. There are days I wonder if I should have gone with a cheaper set, but she would always say the same thing which is that she wants these to be something that stays in the family after we are dead and gone, so it is best to get the set I really wanted in the first place. And I'm glad I did.

Picking pipes is a very personal sort of thing, in a way. Ultimately, I think you need to pick bagpipes you would be happy with after playing for several years. I still feel it is significant that so many sets of the Dunbar poly pipes end up being resold. Every other brand seems to have a lot more long-term devotees, but Dunbars are viewed by many as beginner pipes, therefore something you grow out of. I started with the pipes I intend to finish with.

For what it is worth.

-Patrick

**Kiltedfirepiper** · 17th January 09, 10:06 PM

no matter what you get, Jim Thompson will set you right!
I've gone to him several times and he was always helpful

I drove up to Flagstaff to get my pipes when I bought them and he even set up my chanter reed so I could play them as soon as I got there! ( many years ago)

10 out of 10 for service!

**kypnkilt** · 18th January 09, 02:23 PM

As stated above, Dunbars are indeed starter pipes and usually the desired type set for those beginning in bands...especially for young folks (and old ones). And usually down the road they will get a "keeper" set for themselves. Poly pipes are durable and can take a good beating in just about any conditions. Poly chanters however have been known to break and that usually is caused by those that are self-professed klutzes. It's rare, but it happens.

Because of the fact that sometimes acquiring ABW pipes is cost-prohibitive at the beginning it is usually highly suggested that one get poly pipes first and go from there. The unfortunate fact also is that because pipes of decent to great quality cost a lot more, those that cannot afford them will be compelled to buy inferior made pipes. I cannot count how many times I have seen this happen. These are sad tales to hear about.

I would highly suggest that you go to www.bobdunsire.com Ask about the pipes in question. Go to their Trading Post forum and see what's up for sale or trade. I have myself gotten some great items through there. Great place to ask the basic of questions and opinions. Use the search function....the information on that forum is invaluable.

Good Luck!!

**Nighthawk** · 18th January 09, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Woolery

If you honestly won't take care of a blackwood set, then get the plastic. If you are unable or unwilling to treat them with care, then you probably do have a good reason to get poly. My question would be whether you really are this clumsy or just are overly worried about the possible delicacy of wooden pipes. McCallum gives a 2-year warranty, Soutar gives a lifetime warranty, others have other warranties. Just to consider.

For me, my pipes were a gift from my wife and she told me to pick out the pipes I really want. There are days I wonder if I should have gone with a cheaper set, but she would always say the same thing which is that she wants these to be something that stays in the family after we are dead and gone, so it is best to get the set I really wanted in the first place. And I'm glad I did.

Picking pipes is a very personal sort of thing, in a way. Ultimately, I think you need to pick bagpipes you would be happy with after playing for several years. I still feel it is significant that so many sets of the Dunbar poly pipes end up being resold. Every other brand seems to have a lot more long-term devotees, but Dunbars are viewed by many as beginner pipes, therefore something you grow out of. I started with the pipes I intend to finish with.

For what it is worth.

-Patrick

You know, the thing is that I will be using mine primarily on the road- when my family go camping, when my living history group travel, etc. So it's not just that I'm not allowed to handle sharp pointy things (except for the swords that my group use

go figure) it's the rigours of travel as well.

**Derek Conley** · 18th January 09, 09:24 PM

Mr. Woolery, excellent and informative post. Thanks!

**Mr. Woolery** · 20th January 09, 03:18 AM

After re-reading my last post, it looks like I'm being rude, but that sure isn't the intent. As I say, plastic pipes do have a place and a very valid one. If you have a reason to prefer the synthetic, that's totally cool. My only point, and the one I seem to harp on over and over again, is that the plastic pipes are not actually cheaper than equivalent blackwood pipes. So, if someone's only reason for wanting the Dubars is to save some cash, I think he's making a mistake not to consider other options.

Hope my post didn't come across wrong and cause hard feelings (or imply snobbery on my part).

-Patrick