Quote Originally Posted by JS Sanders View Post
<< 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!!