For what it worth coming from a drummer, I will give pipers the credit they deserve. The great highland bagpipe is definitely a creature that if tamed is an awesome instrument, but if left to its owners own devices, it can be one wickedly evil instrument.

Any piper telling you they know everything is a liar (sorry). The band I am with have members that have been piping for over 60 years, former champions, instructors, etc., teaching and learning is an on going lifecycle.

You mentioned you have a Dunbar chanter ... I feel lucky to have met Mr. Jack Dunbar before he past. He's obviously he was well known in the piping world, but it was nice to know and consider him a friend. Jack travelled with the City of Thorold Pipe Band in 2000 to the Netherlands to celebrate the 55th anniversary of their Liberation. It was a pleasure for the band and Jack.

Sorry for taking this topic off the rails, I just wanted to share.