I’m so friggin’ bored. I need a new challenge. I’m considering taking up the bagpipes.
Anyone play? Got recommendations for a practice chanter?
this guy plays some:
Just be careful.
I used to but gave it up a few years ago. I started from nothing. Never played an instrument, didn’t know how to read music. Luckily bagpipe music isn’t extremely difficult to read.
I’d say the first thing you need to do is find a good instructor in your area if possible and take his/her recommendation on the chanters. Most if not all of the people in the band that I played with just had plastic chanters. It really doesn’t matter. Chanters don’t sound like pipes in the least, they are just quiet(ish) ways to get the fingering down. I’d work with the chanter for a good 6-12 months before even considering laying down the cash for pipes. I had an electronic chanter as well which was nice b/c you could use headphones. I would only consider this option if you start to drive your family crazy. Most people I know started with this:
http://www.hendersongroupltd.com/...9&idCategory=326
It is not wise to jump into a set of pipes just becuase you want some. Often your instructor will tell you when you are ready to buy. This usually takes 6-12 months of dedicated chanter work b/4 you are ready. Here is where your money should go as baseline decent set will cost you 1K-1.5K minimum.
If and when you do get pipes my advice is to ALWAYS wear earplugs. It is amazing how quickly you can develop hearing loss or tinitus.
Playing the pipes was a lot of fun and there are times that I wish I didn’t quit. In the end I had limited time and chose tri over pipes.
Good luck and be patient!
Jamie
I started with our local pipe corps, until work put me on accounts in Australia so I couldn’t make evening practice. JamieJ has it pretty much nailed. Try here for info - http://www.hotpipes.com/practice.html.
I have the Dunbar with synthetic reed - pretty easy to get decent sound out of. If you are interested PM me for a reduced price, as it doesn’t look like I will be getting back to it any time soon.
bagpipes were invented and given away as a joke - and nobody gets it, especially the Canadians
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Learn how to play Amazing Grace. That’s pretty much the best sounding bag pipe song.