Bagpiping anyone?

[JerseyLawyer]

Chase -

Quite honestly, that depends on what you want. I know plenty of guys who started later in life, and the fingers are never really supple enough to become a great player. But playing in a band for parades or even some competition bands? Sure.

Of course, if you've played another instrument, then that applies less. If you spent your life as a steamfitter on the trans-Siberian railroad without gloves, then it will be quite hard indeed.

It won't come as easy as it might to younger guys, but you'll get there. I think as long as you have respect for the music and the instrument, and try hard to improve, then you'll be just fine.

[Macman]

How old is too old? I've always wanted to learn to play, but only recently inherited a set of pipes...I have yet to purchase a chanter, but again, at 49, am I too old?

Chase

I agree with JerseyLawyer, Chase. I started on the PC when I was 50 (3 years ago), and got my pipes a year later, and I'm slowly improving. I don't aspire to be a great piper, but I do hope to reach a level where I consider myself a reasonable piper, whatever that is. Right now, I'm better than some of the people in our band, but that's because I practise and they don't. Go for it!

[Jack Daw]

How old is too old? I've always wanted to learn to play, but only recently inherited a set of pipes...I have yet to purchase a chanter, but again, at 49, am I too old?

Chase

For someone your age, it's not impossible, but you'll not likely ever become a gold medalist. That being said, if you get an instructor that is strict about you keeping your fingers close to the chanter (not so easy), and light to the touch (easier for women), and you practice a couple of hours a day 5 days a week, you could become a decent piper.

[kypnkilt]

As for the PC's....I personally usually suggest getting a long PC versus one that is smaller. I have seen those that have practiced with the smaller type and have to re-adjust finger spacing and even timing when going to a GHB chanter. I usually recommend the Dunbar Long and pop a Abbot PC reed in it. That combo seems to go hand-and-hand. I have found that the transition from longer PC's (albeit Gibson, Dunbar or McCallum, etc.) to the GHB chanter to be a smoother transition that those that have smaller PC's in the beginning. Not saying that's the best setup, but one that has worked for many others I know.

As for age....never too old. I've seen those between the ages of 50-75 begin the pipes. Some with obvious talent that they didn't know they had. So, better late than never....

[Jimmy Carbomb]

I'll back it up with a link and information.

Here's a link to "Song of the Sea" for a practice chanter kit that's affordable and well worth the time to learn.

http://www.songsea.com/chanters.htm

It's not expensive and plays well. You CAN always take a chanter from the stock and put a mouthpiece over the reed. I have this, and it's easy to play. It's also a wonderful way to test your reeds at different altitudes BEFORE you fire them up.

You can also get a cane reed for a normal or practice chanter through MacCallum Pipes. That's where I get all mine. Cane reeds last longer, have a mellower sound, and don't bend out of shape as easily. They have to custom make some of my reeds, but I know that they have plenty of options in-stock too.

http://www.mccallumbagpipes.com

While at McCallum, you can check out their practice chanter kits (which can be pricey). I know that The Thistle Shop carries them here in the States.

I buy McCallum because I get paid to play... but they're also REAL nice.

[AndrewLenzJr]

I buy McCallum because I get paid to play... but they're also REAL nice.

They are ok. Naill, Atherton, Sinclair are all better attention to detail and more R&D into stability of the drones. McCallums are improving and their customer service is tops, but they are not going to be among the top brands . . . but they are reasonably priced and there are worse brands out there, to say the least. They are by far the best marketed pipes out there; McCallum is an advertising machine.

Andrew

[wgority]

How old is too old? I've always wanted to learn to play, but only recently inherited a set of pipes...I have yet to purchase a chanter, but again, at 49, am I too old?

Chase, you're not even close to too old. I've a good friend who didn't start with a PC until he retired at almost 60 and is now a very good piper. Piping, like any other thing in life that's worthwhile, gives pleasure proportional to the effort you put into it.

[AlexMDN]

Hi, Gents. I's away finishing my next kilt and if any one wants to know how to make good sat of flashes I may pass instructions. Anyways I checked on http://www.hotpipes.com/ and made my decision towards their Millennium 2000 chanter and John Cairns "Bagpipe Solutions" set for 194.00 much more then I wanted to spend on the book and chanter, but from all your replays and life experience - chip pays twice, so I'm going for more expensive one.

And Chase, I'm turning 34 in April and never held any instruments in my hands, but friend of mine who is 52 felt in to guitar few years ago and he says fingering more demanding on guitar then on pipes its coordination of your action that the key so I'll be fine, so 'ld you, his opinion anyways.

[cajuncelt]

Wouldn't touch 'em with a 10 ft. pole. You get what you pay for.

[highlander_Daz]

Jimmy if you get paid to play, then youve a duty to your clients to use quality instruments, I get paid to play as well and Id never insult my clients by turnning up with eastern made pipes. if your a pro or semi pro piper, then eastern made bagpipes are not an option if you want any degree of credibility. as for eastern made chanters, if your an experinced piper with a roll of electricians tape and a dremil, no one doubts that eventually you cauld get the scale about right, but how is a hapless beginner struggling with the scale,grace notes and doublings expected to do that?
when for not that much extra cash you can get a decent practice chanter that will play the scale and last a lifetime of pipeing. I use an average quality polypenco full size practice chanter made by a local craftsman, they cost around £40 ($80) at that price its not with bothering withe the eastern stuff