First set of bagpipes

[davidlpope]

This is where I think that buying bagpipes is different than buying kilts. While I have enjoyed building up a collection of different kilts in the closet, I think that buying bagpipes is like marriage: do it right the first time.

Consider saving up the additional amount of money needed to get the set of bagpipes that you really want. The additional time will be well spent on the chanter, since it takes a while to master taorluaths and tunes. If you're not in a band there's no rush to get you onto a set of pipes, except your own impatience. I waited a long time to buy my D. Naills and have never regretted it. They're exactly what I wanted and are well worth the money and the wait that I put into them.

If you buy something you're really not happy with now, you'll be planning on how to uppgrade within 3 months. Delayed gratification is a good thing when it comes to buying bagpipes.

Cordially,

David

[vmac3205]

Thank you all for taking the time to explain why buying Pakistani pipes is not a good idea. I had the great fortune of being able to get a set of gently used Shepherd's D series, but as a person contemplating learning the pipes, I'm sure the Pakistani pipes would have seemed like a good deal. You experienced pipers were very articulate in explaining the problems inherent in trying to play them. It's folks like you that make this such a good forum. Again, thanks.

[Balaamsass51]

Welcome from the middle of North Carolina.

Matt H.

[beatty37]

thanks for the great advice.

I think now im gonna go with a set of Wallaces instead of the pakistani pipes i was looking at

[Thunderbolt]

thanks for the great advice.

I think now im gonna go with a set of Wallaces instead of the pakistani pipes i was looking at

Good on you. You'll be glad you did. And welcome to XMTS and piping!

T.

[Phogfan86]

Having read and re-read the responses here, I think that's a really wise thing to do. Best of luck t'ye, and welcome to one of the most difficult and satisfying and fun and maddening things you'll ever take on.

[Derek Conley]

Having read and re-read the responses here, I think that's a really wise thing to do. Best of luck t'ye, and welcome to one of the most difficult and satisfying and fun and maddening things you'll ever take on.

That's.... inspiring...

[Kiltedfirepiper]

I play dunbar p2's eezee drones w/ a cane bass.
I suggested plastic because he's a new piper.
they stand up to abuse well and are forgiving in that respect.

new pipers make mistakes in handling their pipes, I know of a guy who walked through a door and almost snapped his bass cause he hit it so hard.

.02

kfp

[Nighthawk]

I play dunbar p2's eezee drones w/ a cane bass.
I suggested plastic because he's a new piper.
they stand up to abuse well and are forgiving in that respect.

new pipers make mistakes in handling their pipes, I know of a guy who walked through a door and almost snapped his bass cause he hit it so hard.

.02

kfp

And that, sir, is why I want the P3's. I am that guy. That's why my bass guitar is an ESP... they're built like tanks and can tolerate clumsy people like me. As opposed to Fender basses, which go out of tune if you look at them funny.

[SteveB]

Congratulations on being satisfied with the practice chanter. I am nowhere near satisfied with my playing of the practice chanter yet.
When I mentioned how much I love bagpipe music, a friend gave me a long practice chanter made of blackwood. This thing could not produce any form of sound that resembled music in any way shape of fashion. After looking at the reed seat (an oval shape) and that the bore was on a curve, with the walls looking like they were drilled with a worn out spade bit. I grew a little more suspicious of the chanter than my ability. The hole spacing always resulted in a C and D finger crash. I found out recently that the practice chanter came from a well known shop in Scotland (Gold Brothers). Nuff said. The Pakistanis couldn't make a simple practice chanter, they sure in H**) aren't going to be able to make an instrument as complex as the Great Highland Bagpipes. In the meantime I bought a MacCallum long practice chanter, and am able to finger it nicely, and with a decent reed, produces a sound that I can enjoy. My next purchase is going to be a Dunbar long practice chanter, so I will have one for at home and one handy for those long waits at the car park.
I will select my pipes based on the recommendations of my tutor and the pipers that I will be working with, as it would be nice to be in tune with the rest of the band.
Slainte