pipes on the wall!

[macgreggor]

If you're going to have a set of pipes, you might as well learn to play them. They're played essentially the same way as great Highland pipes. Get a tutor.

That is probably the best part of all the input I have gotten. I shall look for a fairly local pipe band.

RANT ON
I admit I do have a problem learning from ANYONE who acts far superior to myself based simply on greater knowledge. If it were not for greater knowledge I would not be there. This does not make me stupid or ignorant, simply uneducated.
RANT OFF

Greg

[haukehaien]

For reeds, consider Ezeedrones.

You know, I had no idea that Ezeedrone made smallpipe reeds. That's cool!

[Highland Logan]

Are these Scottish small pipes, or "small pipes"? There are a number of small "toy" versions, which are playable, but toys none the less. With out a picture, your discription of small and $25 brings this to mind.

Frank

[A Hay]

PiobBear, Mr. Woolery, beloitpiper, et. al.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the rest of us and providing advice on the original question asked. This forum is like an encyclopedia. There is a breadth and depth of information among out there that is truly amazing. I appreciate your taking time to respond.

Tom

[PiobBear]

I admit I do have a problem learning from ANYONE who acts far superior to myself based simply on greater knowledge. If it were not for greater knowledge I would not be there. This does not make me stupid or ignorant, simply uneducated.

"To the making of a piper goes seven years of their own learning, and seven generations before.."

Traditionally, pipers are taught by other pipers; we all learned from someone else, and we all started off not knowing a note. You'll know a good piper by listening to his music; anyone who puts on such airs is probably not much of a musician, and therefore not someone you should consider for a tutor.

[drobin]

[i]anyone who puts on such airs is probably not much of a musician, and therefore not someone you should consider for a tutor.

something one of my 'know it all' 6th grade sax players needs to learn.

[george7]

If they're only $25, they might be worth checking out, regardless of condition or origin... you could probably dump them on the next guy on eBay if they're worthless or use them as a costume accessory. If they're otherwise worthy, you've gotten a great deal.... except you'll still be in for a lot of spending to make them playable.

[MadBagpiper]

You know, I had no idea that Ezeedrone made smallpipe reeds. That's cool!

Ezeedrone makes reeds for just about everything haha! I've seen uilleann chanter and drone reeds.

Pictures would be helpful to see.
Also another important thing to look for is a makers name. If these pipes are worth anything then the person who made them would have also put some kind of mark or signature on the drones, the stock (or main stock), or on the chanter. If there is a name then generally that's a very good sign!
Overall though, if I were you, I would buy them because even if they weren't quality or worth the time to fix up and play they would look pretty cool on the wall at home to add a cool touch to a room.

[macgreggor]

Well guys,

My dearly beloved got the pipes for me for Christmas. Looking closely, I find no
names or insignia of any kind any where. I am afraid I have a nice wall decoration. The blow pipe is (I think) of plastic.
Tomorrow in the daylight I shall post pictures.

Greg

[WARPIPER]

Most mouth pieces are "plastic" with a wood stock. Not a problem.