Anyone here play the Bagpipes? I have always had and interest and do not know where to start as far as instruments etc.

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I remember when we were free!

The thing that always made me curious about playing the bagpipes, was how do you know when you're any good?

Seems to be me that after 10 years study, you still sound like you just started studying the day before..

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Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

The Pipes have always intrigued Me. I think they add a lot to a parade or military band. The pipe and drum thing definitely sets the cadence for a march, and Scottish Music wouldn't be the same without them. A comical little remembrance of mine, when I was about 17. I worked in a neighborhood gas station. Late one night in walked a man wearing a kilt. I began to laugh and the guy was more than ready to kick my ***. Lucky for me there was another guy present that held the guy off untill I apologised. After the initial excitement, I was politely informed that they were just at there Pipers club practice and that there kilts were not a laughable thing. Naturally I agreed entirely, and still do. Sometimes being an idiot can get you in a lot of trouble.
----Danny,

Go to X Marks The Scot.com

Someone is always talking about playing pipes when they are not talking of steampunk or camouflage kilts or Scots Whiskey or box pleats or making Haggis or kilt checks.

Great site!

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1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Hi Oneal: so happens today is International Bagpipe Day! True...:

http://www.bagpipesociety.org.uk/intern ... onference/

It also happens that last autumn I was attending an Early Music Festival and found myself in an hour long demonstration of modern and period bagpipes. Wasn't sure what I was letting myself in for, but it turned out to be heaps of fun. There are over 130 different types of bagpipes from around the world, the raucous Scottish variety (which personally I like a lot) being only one sort. Both Northumbrian pipes and uilleann (Irish) pipes are much more user and listener friendly and well worth some attention. The guy also demo'd some small pipes with multiple chanters which are capable of playing simple chords, though I don't recall the name of that type.

Also, I was taught violin-making by (amongst others) a fabulous young Spanish gentleman called Jose Catoira. But he doesn't actually play the fiddle at all: he's a piper and plays - and builds - Galician pipes, from Northern Spain. I so strongly recommend seeking out some music played on the Galician pipes. Played well it is fabulous.

Of course, played badly it's completely horrendous!

Cheers - C

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I started out trying to learn the pipes way back in Nova Scotia in the 60's.
Did not make it too far Full course takes (or took, no idea what is is now) 7 years, and we moved away. Did not bother to locate another piping college, ended up doing a stint in the milltary instead.
At that time I picked up the needed lesson books and a practice chanter, never got a full set as coulden't raise the funds which was well over 1000$ at the time.

Learning the timing to breath & squeeze is not so easy,
and really difficult if you smoke, you need good air to keep th bag inflated.

Here are a couple of links, there are locations that teach piping in most countries.
NovaScotia http://www.collegeofpiping.com/facultystaff.php
England http://www.thepipingcentre.co.uk/

Hum looking at the novascotia link they have changed to a format similar to guitar lessons.
Weekly private and group sessions.

According to the British site price for a set is in the £700 to £5000 range.
I thnk the exchange rate to US and Canadian is around 1.6 at the moment.

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Keep on Truckin, Going full speed ahead down the highway to hades.

This Guy? Yeah, he's my new hero.

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"He who hates me hates my Father as well."
John 15:23

Talman Ibanez Inner City-Suizy Q
2002 American-Made Fender Telecaster-Vengence
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III

Here we go folks, get ready to rock Scots style http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YdkolAEHj4

How could I forget my old mucka Jimi McRae
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGjITssO ... re=related

Thanks to all for the tips and information.

After reading around and looking at all your links, the first step seems to be getting a high quality practice Chanter. Gibson wooden Chanter for about $300 U.S., I can get one from a place in Michigan.

A good set of real Highland Pipes is a major investment. I will have to wait and see on that. The Highland Pipes is a singular instrument, and for me like the Great Pipe Organ, listening to them evokes tremondous emotion deep in my soul.

Thanks again to all you that posted, too numerous here to cut and paste, but I enjoyed each post. Good to hear from you again Ceri.

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I remember when we were free!

This is more to my taste.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOltIzlgNT4&feature=related

You Scots know how to name your military units. Cool Names!

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I remember when we were free!

My father played the pipes for 55 years. He's 82 now and can't fill the bag, but he still plays his practice chanter. Get yourself a good one and start with it.Check around for local pipe bands they might be able to help you with a decent supplier.

Haggis McAngus