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LEARN TO PLAY THE BAGPIPES
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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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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 around
the world and the United States bearing labels and stickers printed with the words "Made in Scotland". There
are sub-standard counterfeit copies that should not even be 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 sets burning much longer and provinding more heat.
STAY AWAY from E-Bay and other merchants that hide behind website and unreachable e-business
fronts.
Below you can see two samples of such types of pipes, which should be avoided, as
they are fake.
Purchase only from a reputable authorized dealer that offer warranties and stand behind the
products they sell.
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| College of Piping "Green Book" |
BEWARE OF IMITATIONS CLAIM 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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