Makes of bagpipes

**Dall_Piobaire** · 6th August 09, 10:44 AM

I play Naills, DN-2s. Had a hard time deciding really. MacPhersons were high on my list as well! Turn of the century Hendersons, wow, do you know who's profile they used, they must sound incredible!!! Especially at the older lower pitch!

George, what effect does the brass sleeve have on harmonics, if any, that you have noticed.

**kypnkilt** · 6th August 09, 11:19 AM

I have 3.

I have a set of newer RG3 Hardies.

A unique set of cocobolo's that is a one of a kind.

Don't overlook Duncan Soutar.

I didn't. My favorite set is my new Soutars DS-4's. I love'em!!

**george7** · 6th August 09, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by Dall_Piobaire

I play Naills, DN-2s. Had a hard time deciding really. MacPhersons were high on my list as well! Turn of the century Hendersons, wow, do you know who's profile they used, they must sound incredible!!! Especially at the older lower pitch!

George, what effect does the brass sleeve have on harmonics, if any, that you have noticed.

These pipes sound SWEET. The drones sound really rich and stay in tune very well. My impression is that the bass drone is slightly louder, giving more bass to the whole set, than most other makes.

The only criticism I've gotten was what Greg said. Some people just don't believe in flashy pipes (especially when they stand out in a band). I think Greg's McCallum's are equally beautiful, but I think my pipes fit my personality.

If you think mine are flashy, you should see the ones the USAFR play.

**Dall_Piobaire** · 6th August 09, 12:55 PM

I don't mind flashy at all! I was thinking my next set might be Half-mounted silver, profecting mounts, and maybe horn or something. I don't think I would go with engraving though, would rather spend that money on a better set. I don't have to really worry much about the uniformity thing as I really don't see a band in my future. Though I am told there are blind pipers in bands!

I've also been considering getting into some border pipes as well. THe list grows

**george7** · 6th August 09, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by Dall_Piobaire

I don't mind flashy at all! I was thinking my next set might be Half-mounted silver, profecting mounts, and maybe horn or something. I don't think I would go with engraving though, would rather spend that money on a better set. I don't have to really worry much about the uniformity thing as I really don't see a band in my future. Though I am told there are blind pipers in bands!

I've also been considering getting into some border pipes as well. THe list grows

I've never seen or heard of a blind piper, but I can't imagine a blind piper having a hard time knowing where the band was.

I think a deaf piper might even be able to hear the band.

**Dall_Piobaire** · 6th August 09, 01:01 PM

Well, ya know one now!

Not completely, but legally anyeay!

**RB51** · 6th August 09, 01:13 PM

The pipe band in Kamloops had a blind piper, a young fellow, who had someone with him to help out. This person would walk, unobtrusively, at his elbow and guide him along. When they would stand and play the helper would step back and then move forward when needed. The first time I saw this it seemed a bit odd, but it's amazing how quickly it just became a natural part of their performance. I haven't seen him play the last several times so I don't know if he's moved along or not. If you were thinking of getting into a band don't let your vision, or lack thereof, be a factor...there is always a way around!

Laurie

**beloitpiper** · 6th August 09, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by RB51

The pipe band in Kamloops had a blind piper, a young fellow, who had someone with him to help out. This person would walk, unobtrusively, at his elbow and guide him along. When they would stand and play the helper would step back and then move forward when needed. The first time I saw this it seemed a bit odd, but it's amazing how quickly it just became a natural part of their performance. I haven't seen him play the last several times so I don't know if he's moved along or not. If you were thinking of getting into a band don't let your vision, or lack thereof, be a factor...there is always a way around!

Laurie

Celtic Nations Pipe Band in Milwaukee has a blind piper as well. Her husband guides her by hooking arms when they march, just like you described. The husband wore the full band uniform and doesn't look out of place at all.

**Dall_Piobaire** · 6th August 09, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by RB51

The pipe band in Kamloops had a blind piper, a young fellow, who had someone with him to help out. This person would walk, unobtrusively, at his elbow and guide him along. When they would stand and play the helper would step back and then move forward when needed. The first time I saw this it seemed a bit odd, but it's amazing how quickly it just became a natural part of their performance. I haven't seen him play the last several times so I don't know if he's moved along or not. If you were thinking of getting into a band don't let your vision, or lack thereof, be a factor...there is always a way around!

Laurie

Thanks Laurie. That is great!

Where there is a will there is a way..right!

**St. Amish** · 17th September 09, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by Dall_Piobaire

Though I am told there are blind pipers in bands!

I've never seen a blind piper, but we had a completely blind trumpet player in our high school bands. He was in Orchestra, Jazz band, Pep band, and even the Marching band. He marched right alongside the second trumpet (he himself held the first chair in the section) with a helper leading him from his elbow.

Don't let a sight impairment keep you from performing with a group if that's your passion.