ebay Bagpipes

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

There are Pakistani bagpipes for sale, or at least cheap rosewood jobs, on eBay. Anybody have any experience with these? I know they aren't Hardies or Hendersons, but I am not really committed enough to spend that much money (£1000+).

Just curious if anyone has any experience with these?

Or am I better off just buying a CD of bagpipe music?

[McMurdo]

There is no need for pipes if you are just learning, get a practice chanter and find an instructor in your area. The instructor will let you know when you are ready for the pipes.

[berserkbishop]

I am no piper but I have considered ebay piper paraphanalia as well. From what I understand, ebay pipes are generally a no go. They are poor quality and you will end up paying more in the long run and will be frustrated because they dont sound right.

Let the real pipers tell you what is what though.

BB

[beloitpiper]

Do NOT buy your pipes on eBay without an experienced, seasoned pipe major looking over them first.

I'm not sure your level of skill, but if you haven't already begun to learn on the practice chanter, do that first. There are multiple threads about learning the pipes on X Marks, you should search through any of those first.

[highlander_Daz]

These rosewood pipes are firewood, they are purely for hanging on your wall.
they are almost impossible to get to play the drones are the wrong length/bore the chanters are a mile out DO NOT fall for it
and they wholesale at $35 !!

[The Kilted Reverend]

I am glad to see this thread, I have thought about ebay pipes before.

TKR

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

Actually, I have a chanter and want pipes.

As I said in the post, I don't want to splash out four figures (££££) for a set of good pipes. If a good used set shows up, it will go for well over my budget. Iwould have been interested if these were any good.

Thank you.

[McMurdo]

Actually, I have a chanter and want pipes.

Sorry for the misunderstanding, I have a friend who has a pair like you describe, he has had to replace most everything to make them playable, making the initial investment a waste of both time and money.

[PiobBear]

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[PiobBear]

The Pakistani pipes (practice chanters, reeds, kilts, etc., etc, etc,) on EBay are unadulterated crap; yes; you'd be much better off spending your money on a CD, or even just drinking beer. Even misrepresenting them as musical instruments or anything other than non-functional wall decorations constitutes outright fraud.
Many of the "good" sets on EBay are also actually frauds; they've downloaded pictures and descriptions of an actual set of pipes for sale, and posted it on EBay with an offshore address to send your money to, never to be seen again. Take no notice of their customer feedback ratings; sellers have found ways to pad those, too.
Ebay's so rife with eastern-made trash and fraudulent scams that you should literally consider every bid as gambling, and never ante up a dime more than you're prepared to loose outright.

CAVEAT EMPTOR!

A good set of pipes cost money; I'd have at least £500 in my pocket, even when looking for a good used set. The Piper's Hut sells McCallum AB1's for $995 US. If you want something cheap and easy to play, get a kazoo.