Anyone familiar with these pipes?

[JS Sanders]

<< So- what is it that's wrong with them (other than where they're made)? What should I look out for? >>

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Nighthawk,

Pakistani pipes are marketed to those who know no better. Take a look at ebay.com, or check out at a touristy-kitschy shop in Scotland.

Their construction is shoddy, and all the sets I've seen are practically un-playable. The chanters aren't tuned, the wood is often checked, loose fittings, and the leather bags don't hold air. I don't even like to contemplate their state of cleanliness.

IF they could be made play-able, it'd take just as much money to refurbish them as already spent. For decoratively wallhangers, there's none better.

Ask your instructor what he plays - that's a good start. A quality set can be had for about $900 and up. There are used sets out there, but it's like buying a horse - you better know what you're doing.

Don't enjoy bursting bubbles, but I have several people annually contact me with the same question, except they've already purchase the 'pipes'.

Best advice of all is to locate a piping instructor.

Slainte,
steve

[Nighthawk]

<< So- what is it that's wrong with them (other than where they're made)? What should I look out for? >>

-------------------------------------------
Nighthawk,

Pakistani pipes are marketed to those who know no better. Take a look at ebay.com, or check out at a touristy-kitschy shop in Scotland.

Their construction is shoddy, and all the sets I've seen are practically un-playable. The chanters aren't tuned, the wood is often checked, loose fittings, and the leather bags don't hold air. I don't even like to contemplate their state of cleanliness.

IF they could be made play-able, it'd take just as much money to refurbish them as already spent. For decoratively wallhangers, there's none better.

Ask your instructor what he plays - that's a good start. A quality set can be had for about $900 and up. There are used sets out there, but it's like buying a horse - you better know what you're doing.

Don't enjoy bursting bubbles, but I have several people annually contact me with the same question, except they've already purchase the 'pipes'.

Best advice of all is to locate a piping instructor.

Slainte,
steve

Really?!?! Holy crap!! Actually, I'm taking my first lesson in ten years tomorrow. I'll ask him about where I can get a good starter set. Thanks for the information. I am the guy who know no better and I know it- thats why I posted here, so you people (who do know better!!) could stop me from wasting $400!! Thanks a lot. I'll let you know how my first lesson goes. I taught myself the scale and have already started figuring out the gracenotes all on my own. Yeah, I'm excited. With my wife working again, we can afford to do things! I never got back to playing because I broke my chanter and I never was able to replace it- until a week ago.

Again, Steve, George- thanks for the advice!!

[SteveB]

That is the great thing about this board. TRUTH.
Now does anyone know of a tutor in the Boston area??. I do want to learn correctly from the beginning. Starting with the chanter. I am not looking at pipes until I get the chanter down right.

[JS Sanders]

<< I taught myself the scale and have already started figuring out the gracenotes all on my own. >>

Nighthawk,
Your first lesson probably shall consist of how to properly play the scale, which will differ from what you're doing now.

I ain't your guardian, but may be best just to lay the practice chanter down until that initial lesson. The less incorrect fingerings you acquire, the less you'll hafta unlearn then subsequently re-learn. You use your fingers as levers, quite different from woodwinds.

You'll be fine. If you have the deep inner burn to learn the Noble Instrument, nothing can stop you.

I'm please you're paying attention to the opinions provided. More than once, contrary to the advice of experienced pipers, I've read of non-pipers offering advice regarding self-teaching. And too often the novice listens to them over those who're accomplished experts.

Slainte,
steve

[Kiltedfirepiper]

Nighthawk,

.

I'm please you're paying attention to the opinions provided. More than once, contrary to the advice of experienced pipers, I've read of non-pipers offering advice regarding self-teaching. And too often the novice listens to them over those who're accomplished experts.

Slainte,
steve


[/FONT]

I just reread the thread and saw this ......does that mean I'm a "non-piper" because started on my own? and mostly still learn on my own?
when the Seven pipers society asked me to join I told them that my schedule didn't allow it right now ( which is true) I guess I should tell them
" sorry ....I'm a non-piper"
and I'm supprised that City of Denver pipeband allowed a non-piper to play with them for over a year (till I moved back to Tucson)

KFP

[JS Sanders]

Good grief friend... take in a deep breath.

A non-piper is simply that. An anthropoid who doesn't play the pipes, nor has even the slightest idea how so to do.

No one's your enemy here, least of all me.

I lost count years ago how many aspiring pipers I either assisted directly or referred to someone who could. Nonetheless, I take great exception to jugheads with substandard, insufficient, or no training forcing themselves upon the public. Nothing does more to foster the belief that GHB's are nothing but inflatable noisemakers. I see/hear all too often here in my hometown and it's embarassing.

If you're playing with knowledgeable colleagues on a regular basis, I'd venture to say indeed you are receiving at least a modicum of instruction, if not more. Over the many years and many occasions I've piped with others, you'd hafta be an eejit not to learn things as you go.

And I agree, BDF is overflowing numpties & know-it-alls. That place is now a shadow of its self.

Slainte,
steve