I really want to learn the bagpipes...:D

Fassa Albrecht · #1 08-21-2011, 04:24 PM

Yes, my neighbors would likely lynch me but living only an hour from the Scottish border, it seems like a cool idea.

Seriously, where do bagpipers actually start learning these things? I've been told that it's possible to buy the chanters (is this the right word...it's the funny things with the holes in that you blow into?) without the main bag and use these to learn.

Any ideas?

Jostein · #2 08-21-2011, 04:34 PM

Sorry I can't help you, apparently there is no talkbagpipe.com.

Back when I played tuba, we visited Scotland with our brass band. We were 60-70 brass players comping a young bagpipe player in a church on the song Highland Cathedral. A mighty experience. Afterwards, he complained that he could only hear himself. So it's loud alright.

Fassa Albrecht · #3 08-21-2011, 04:37 PM

Lawlz.

EagleMoon · #4 08-21-2011, 04:51 PM

A friend of mine took bagpipe lessons from a guy who belongs to a pipe group. He started on a chanter and worked his way up to the full thing. Surely someone around where you live plays and could give you lessons? Maybe put up a help wanted ad at your local music store? Or check the paper?

Fassa Albrecht · #5 08-21-2011, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

A friend of mine took bagpipe lessons from a guy who belongs to a pipe group. He started on a chanter and worked his way up to the full thing. Surely someone around where you live plays and could give you lessons? Maybe put up a help wanted ad at your local music store? Or check the paper?

THis is what I'm thinking, or seeing if any folk or pipe and drums bands exist around me.

Muddslide · #6 08-21-2011, 05:47 PM

Do you know why bagpipers walk while they are playing?

They are trying to get away from the sound!

Seriously though, I love the pipes. Never tried to play them but I have a fascination with old folk music from the British Isles. I once seriously considered taking up the concertina but never took the plunge.

andysick · #7 08-21-2011, 05:50 PM

Yep, buy a chanter and learn the fingerings.
The keeping the bag full and air control comes later, that's the real challenge.

Good luck.

JazznFunk · #8 08-21-2011, 05:52 PM

I could put you in touch with a good friend of mine here in the States who is a killer bagpiper... he's pretty much self-taught, 19 years old, and blows away a lot of older pipers I've heard. He played at my wedding and even wrote a new reel specifically for the ceremony. I love bagpipes... and I'm not being sarcastic. ;-) PM me and I'll see if I can help. Are you Scottish as well? My lineage is with Clan Lamont.

Stick_Player · #9 08-21-2011, 06:14 PM

I was in Edinburgh recently - a magnificent city!. Stopped by Bagpipes Galore, on the Royal Mile.

There I picked up a "Practice Chanter".

A REAL set of pipes will start at US$1,000. You can't cheap out on this instrument.

Spend a good 6 months with the Chanter Pipe and find a teacher.

Near Scotland? How can you NOT find a teacher?

Skitch it! · #10 08-21-2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Any ideas?

Yes, they like Maynards Wine Gums

wine gums advert - YouTube