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I'd
like to learn how to play the bagpipes - what do I need to get started? |
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Bagpipers initially start, and then practice on an instrument called a Practice Chanter. This narrow, mouth-blown instrument resembles a recorder and is made of wood or
plastic. Practice Chanters have two main parts. The top section has a mouthpiece where air is blown into the instrument.
The bottom portion has a bored hole where a double-bladed plastic reed fits and has nine holes used to finger the notes.
The two sections fit together using either hemp or rubber o-rings to create an air-tight seal. Some practice chanters
also have a "sole" on the bottom, which is a round piece of imitation ivory. The sole is for looks only, and has no
practical purpose. Practice chanters are used by beginners to learn techniques for fingering and blowing. Because pipers
need to know their tunes by heart, practice chanters are also used when learning any new tune. Pipe band members practice
together using practice chanters, both for practicing old tunes and for learning the tempo and notes to new music. Whether
just beginning or an old pro, the practice chanter is essential in the musical progression on the bagpipes. |
Practice chanters are available
in two lengths - regular and long. For older kids and adults,
a long practice chanter is generally recommended, because the finger hole spacing is more similar to that of on the pipe chanter
on the bagpipes. This is helpful because when the student does get on the bagpipes, the fingers will already be used
to the wider hole spacing. Regular length practice chanters may be more comfortable for kids with smaller hands, and
are less expensive. We often suggest practice chanters that are countersunk or counter bored for improved “note
hole” feel.
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| PRACTICE CHANTER KIT |
a
The
most popular beginning tutor book is the College of Piping vol. 1 (known in piping circles as "The Green Book" for its green cover),
Many books have an audio CD or cassette available. It is also a good idea to have an extra reed or two. Because the reeds are plastic, they last quite a long time,
but it's good to have a back up. Practice chanter reeds cost $5-$8 a piece.
House of Bagpipes in San Francisco,
CA offers a number of "Starter
Kits", which include everything you need to get started.
They include a practice chanter, 2-3 reeds, and the College
of Piping vol. 1 on the kit. They also save you money as compared
to all the items included being purchased separately. Click on the image on the left to see all of our starter kits.
BUYERS BEWARE: There are many instruments being sold in thehave
U.S. bearing labels and stickers printed "made in Sotland" There are substandard counterfit copies that haven't
the capacity of being called musical instruments. They come in various styles and sizes. They are only suitable
as wall-hanging pieces and on cold days, the are formidable a kindling; the larger set burning much longer and provinding
more heat.
STAY AWAY from E-Bay and other merchants that hide behind wedsite and unreachable e=business
fronts.
Below are two samples of such types of pipes.
Purchase only from a reputable authorized dealer that stand behind their products.
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| College of Piping "Green Book" |
BEWARE OF IMITATIONS CLAIMED
TO BE MADE IN SCOTLAND: HERE ARE
A FEW SAMPLES OF COPIES MAKE
IN PAKISTAN AND INDIA.
DO NOT BUY ANYTHING LOOKING LIKE THESE!
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| COCUSWOOD PAKISTANI SET |
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| ROSEWOOD PAKISTANI SET |
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