Everyone cover your ears

**David Dalglish** · 17th September 06, 10:50 PM

Good luck to you & your wife

**O'Neille** · 17th September 06, 11:53 PM

I've got to chime in on this one. As most of you know I am a Dr. of Audiology. And just by guesstimate I'd say that most pipers are exposed to greater than >100 dB which is certainly enough to cause temporary and subsequent permanent hearing loss. Hearing protection is good insurance for both of you. O'Neille

**Tattoo Bradley** · 18th September 06, 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by Kilted KT

During the past weekend at the Oklahoma Scottish Games, I met a piper who holds free lessons. My wife actually is on board with it, and doesn't have a problem ( then again, she hasn't heard bad piping..so we will see how long it lasts)

Please bear with me as I try to transcend the moose calls and actually produce real bagpipe music!

Arrrrrrrrr!!!! You lucky dog! I'd be willing to PAY for lessons. But, there's no piper in my area! Have fun with it.

Originally Posted by O'Neille

I've got to chime in on this one. As most of you know I am a Dr. of Audiology. And just by guesstimate I'd say that most pipers are exposed to greater than >100 dB which is certainly enough to cause temporary and subsequent permanent hearing loss. Hearing protection is good insurance for both of you. O'Neille

HAHA! O'Neille, Pipers are probably good "job security" for ya!

**Panache** · 18th September 06, 06:51 AM

Kilted KT,

Here's the site of a friend of mine who wanted to record his experiences and insights into taking up the bagpipes as an adult. Lots of good information and links for the aspiring piper.

http://www.bagpipejourney.com/

Cheers (and get some ear protection like O'Neille said!)

**chasem** · 18th September 06, 07:49 AM

man, that sounds great!

I'm in the same situation as TB sadly

**switchblade5984** · 18th September 06, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by Tattoobradley

Arrrrrrrrr!!!! You lucky dog! I'd be willing to PAY for lessons. But, there's no piper in my area! Have fun with it.

HAHA! O'Neille, Pipers are probably good "job security" for ya!

same as above! except there are pipers in the area

**Andrew Green** · 18th September 06, 04:17 PM

Good luck! Aside from more kilts, and a couple basket hilts (custom), I am saving up for a set of learner pipes. Does anyone know a good brand to start?
Totally checking out that site posted, as I know it's gonna be a long and difficult process when I do get a set.
So I totally sympathize with your situation.

**Piper** · 19th September 06, 05:17 AM

I took up the pipes later in life (just shy of 50). I've been taking lessons for 6 years, been on the pipes for 5. Your instructor should start you out with a practice chanter. Basically its a version of the pipe chanter with a mouthpiece . That's what you'll learn the basics on, and you'll use it as long as you're piping for practicing and learning new tunes. It'll be a while before you're ready for the pipes. How long varies with the individual. Follow your instructor's lead on that. Also, be warned that the "bargain" pipes you see on e-bay and in some music shops are generally made in Pakistan. Pakistan produces good blades, and some very fine embroidery work, but the pipes leave much to be desired. I speak from experience. The first set I bought was through an ad in a local paper. Paid $185, thought I had a real bargain. My instructor asked "What ever posessed you to buy Pakistani pipes?" Who knew Pakistanis made pipes? I had to put another couple of hundred dollars into them to make them playable, and the sound quality still wasn't there. A good set of pipes can be had these days for from $700 - $1000. Of course, the sky's the limit, pricewise, depending on exactly what you want. I chose a set of Dunbar P3's. They're made of Delrin, rather than African Blackwood (with 11 grandkids I was looking for something bulletproof), but they get good comments as far as sound and appearance go. Most good pipers with admit they can't tell the difference is sound between a well set up poly pipe and a well set up blackwood pipe. Set up is something else you'll need your instructor's assistance with.
I took up the pipes for my own enjoyment, I don't play in a band (tell folks I play for my enjoyment and the neighbor's annoyance), but I truly enjoy it. Have fun.

**Bob C** · 29th September 06, 07:30 AM

I always hate to read about someone taking up the pipes, because it reminds me of my own failure to grasp the concepts, years ago, and gives me the bug to try again.

Seriously, though, good luck. In fact, I picked up a video tutor over the summer and was recently invited to try free lessons again. Maybe...