Help (with "setting up" pipes)

[Blupiper]

I will second what Imrichmond has said: you have a leak in the bag. With all the stocks (those thingees the drones and chanter plug into) stoppered and inflated through the blowstick until it's drum-tight, you should have significant air in the bag for a good ten minutes or more. If you immediately begin to deflate, you have a leak. Like they said, check the stitching and where-ever a hole has been put into the bag (talking about those stocks again.) Again, seasoning or repair of a hole may be indicated. I use the Bob Dunsire Forums for a lot of institutional memory; from many pipers of all levels and experience. In these days of internet and Skype, you can get world-class instruction in front of your computer. Good luck and keep it up. I started at age 48 with a musical background very similar to that you expressed.

JMB

PS-if your bag has a zipper, be sure to check that it is properly lubed and, most important of all, closed! Learned that one the embarrassing, hard way.