First set of bagpipes

[Kevo]

Patrick, Great advice and a VERY good read!!

[beatty37]

iv actually been on a pipers choice regular size polypenco practice chanter and its been great.

although the wood ones sound better, i like the polypenco ones cuz there tough as bricks.

but the moisture in them is a real bother sometimes
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[Dragon McMurdo]

I am just starting out in piping as well. I don't have much of a budget to get pipes for the time being. but I would recommend that you just save your pennies, find a nice set of pipes you want and then get them. While you continue to progress on the practice chanter. That is a pipers best friend and the easiest way to learn new songs.

I am personally saving up for a set of Dunbar p1 with the military style ends. My pipe major strongly recommends staying away from the Pakistan made pipes. he says they are junk.


Dragon McMurdo: Do Or Do Not There Is No Try !!!

[MadBagpiper]

Iv been playing the practice chanter for about 6 months now and i want to buy a full set of highland pipes.

the only problem is that i am not on a large budget and i'm very very tempted to buying a set of pakistani bagpipes
(hakamdins would be my choice)

i have been told not to and to look for a set of north american or scotish made pipes

does anybody have any recomendations for a piper who isnt on a big budget??

That's great that you're ready for a set of pipes! Here's some advice
DON'T BUY PAKISTANI!!!!!!!!!!!

It doesn't matter where the pipes or made. North America, Scotland, Russia, Never Never Land it doesn't matter. Only who makes the pipes.
Dunbars are absolutely the perfect set for beginners. They're made out of poly pencoe which is just about bullet and weather proof and they sound pretty good. The chanters are kinda wonky but I think that they're working on a new one which, hopefully, isn't as wonky.
Going synthetic is always a good idea for beginners. I've been playing for 4 years and I still use a gortex bag and synthetic drone reeds. Eezdrones are good reeds. Stay away from synthetic chanter reeds though, they don't sound very good and $40 is an awful lot to pay for a piece of plastic that's really not worth it.
If you do buy Dunbar sell the chanter and buy either a Shepard or MacCallum or if you aren't afraid to lay down a bit more for a really great chanter, then check out MacLellan for a chanter. I just got a new set from him about a week ago and I am absolutely in love with the chanter, it's solid on the high hand and everything is in tune no matter what reed i put in it.