Where's your Bagpipes?

[PiobBear]

For example, here's what I would probably have to spend at a minimum right out of the gate to set up a set of Pakistani bagpipes in addition to the purchase price:

L&M Hide Bag $125.00
McCallum Pipe Chanter: $130.00
Selbie Drone Reeds: $85.00
Ross Chanter Reeds : $9.75 ea.
Rubber Blowpipe Valve: $2.75
Throw in some waxed hemp, tie-in cord, etc., say around $275 and change, including shipping.

Add the $135.00 purchase price of the Pakistani pipes...with shipping, maybe $150; $425.00. You might need to rebore or replace the chanter stock, the blowpipe and the blowpipe stock; some folks polish and even rebore the drones; not only a lot of work for a dubious outcome, but beyond the ken of most beginners. If it doesn't work out, the chanter and drone reeds will have a higher resale value than the entire set combined.

Now, here's what is available on EBay today:

Lawrie with original blackwood chanter; dinged up mounts but probably playable: $305.00.
2 Hardie's with their orginal blackwood chanters; one with an extra Dunbar chanter: $400.00 & $700.00.
Shepherd with engraved silver; cracked but probably repairable tenor: $405.00.
Gibson with a blackwood chanter $810.00.
2 McCallum AB4's: $1,150 & $1,100.

Most of these come complete with cases, reeds, hemp, etc., and can be set up to be reliable, steady, musical pipes, where the beginner can focus on his piping instead of endlessly tinkering with his wonky pipes. If it doesn't work out, he can probably sell them for about what he paid for them. These are what I would call "beginners sets".

[wgority]

You might need to rebore or replace the chanter stock, the blowpipe and the blowpipe stock; some folks polish and even rebore the drones; not only a lot of work for a dubious outcome, but beyond the ken of most beginners. If it doesn't work out, the chanter and drone reeds will have a higher resale value than the entire set combined.

Generally the bore of the drones on the Pakistani manufactured pipes are almost impossible to polish. When attempted, they tend to get fuzzy because of the sheesham (variant of rosewood) is not good. The best you can do is re-bore with an absurdly sharp gun drill and hope that the result is not too open to give a good voice.

I've redone chanters for these and found it a frustrating proposition.

[cessna152towser]

Thanks for all your helpful comments, folks. I'll certainly take a look at the McCallum and Dunbar pipes.

[Prester John]

For what it's worth, I just picked up my Dunbar p-3s yesterday, and I'm off, with my son (who is a much more advanced piper) to the Ohio Scottish Arts School after the games on Saturday.

See you all on the other side!

[PiobBear]

Nothing more confusing to a band than a drummer that can pipe, or a piper that can drum!!

True story:
I'm standing next to Drummie at the Games when a fellow starts chatting me up, saying he'd always wanted to play the pipes, but hadn't even an ounce of musical talent. In a voice sure to be overheard, I replied "Well, as you haven't any musical talent, have you ever considered becoming a Drum Major?"

[oldsoldier]

True story:
I'm standing next to Drummie at the Games when a fellow starts chatting me up, saying he'd always wanted to play the pipes, but hadn't even an ounce of musical talent. In a voice sure to be overheard, I replied "Well, as you haven't any musical talent, have you ever considered becoming a Drum Major?"

I have no musical talent, and am in the latter part of my 30's, I just picked up the pipes month ag, and love it! Went into it without even being ale to read music...its a long road, but I am looking forward to it. And, surprisingly, maybe I DO have talent! Heh, that'd be a first.

[Warhoover]

I have no musical talent, and am in the latter part of my 30's, I just picked up the pipes month ag, and love it! Went into it without even being ale to read music...its a long road, but I am looking forward to it. And, surprisingly, maybe I DO have talent! Heh, that'd be a first.

Oldsoldier,
I know what your talking about, it has been quite a ride. I was and still am quite rusty when it comes to music, but recently having my instructor put me on the pipes has been a thrill. Every step no matter how small is victory for me. Hope to someday get involved with a band. But that is down the road. Just enjoying the process is fun for me. I know sick isn't it !

[emolas]

As much as I would like to learn the pipes (or ANY instrument), I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket with a lid. I even whistle off-key and can't tap my feet with a steady rhythm. There is no hope for me.

[Archangel]

As much as I would like to learn the pipes (or ANY instrument), I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket with a lid. I even whistle off-key and can't tap my feet with a steady rhythm. There is no hope for me.

Why not let a good teacher tell you that? I've always wanted to learn guitar but I've been told the same things as you. Finally, a semi pro musician friend asked what were the qualifications of the people who said that to you?

So, I went to a top pro teacher and, yes, I have struggles but I've learned I have a musical ear. He showed me that in a practical way. He's shown me that while I like rockabilly, for some reason my natural rhythm is actually Celtic. That's my second choice so that works.

Go for it.

[Warhoover]

True story:
I'm standing next to Drummie at the Games when a fellow starts chatting me up, saying he'd always wanted to play the pipes, but hadn't even an ounce of musical talent. In a voice sure to be overheard, I replied "Well, as you haven't any musical talent, have you ever considered becoming a Drum Major?"

Good one Piobear! I am sure that got a rather good laugh and chuckle from many! Hope your Drummie at least smiled