https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/the-banter-blog daily 0.75 2024-10-21 https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/the-banter-blog/blog-post-title-two-6d63d monthly 0.5 2024-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/be043022-37cd-49d8-b84b-f2a5d8fc2d9f/MacRae%2BBagpipes%2BSL10.jpg The Banter Blog - Some Do’s and Dont’s Of Buying Bagpipes - Make it stand out A beautifully adorned set of brand new Duncan MacRae bagpipes. Check them out here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1c84c735-298b-409d-9eed-a86251b4ecc7/Grainger-Campbell-2.jpg The Banter Blog - Some Do’s and Dont’s Of Buying Bagpipes - Make it stand out A beautiful set of Grainger-Campbells, courtesy of BagpipeCentral.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/b67b37aa-ce43-4c16-8d8a-1152162b8f4f/oldpiperuseful.jpg The Banter Blog - Some Do’s and Dont’s Of Buying Bagpipes - Imagine this scenario: you’ve taken an interest in piping; after securing yourself a practice chanter, learner’s book, and an instructor, and practicing until you’ve memorized a handful of tunes, you’re ready to purchase your first set of bagpipes! There’s just one problem: how the heck does one go about doing this? Alternatively, you’ve found yourself in possession of a set of bagpipes, but the wood and metal quality is dubious, some of it looks unfinished, especially on the inside, and no matter how hard you blow or strain yourself, they just won’t work like the recordings you’ve heard or the YouTube videos of bagpipes with flamethrowers or pipers in mini-skirts you watched to inspire you! What’s the matter? you think to yourself, I payed a whole $200 for these on ebay, they should be a steal! Fear not, there are straightforward remedies to both of these scenarios! Below I’ve put together some guidance and tips on what to look for, and how to recognize a good instrument, as well as incidentals to be aware of. Now let’s get started! *Disclaimer, I don’t claim to be THE expert, nor end-all-be-all of buying bagpipes, this is simply a discussion that I hope you find helpful. Please reference other resources on your hunt for bagpipes and information! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1679927667448-CCSBTN8S7YIT2ERF56GR/pakis.jpg The Banter Blog - Some Do’s and Dont’s Of Buying Bagpipes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1679927748745-780DYKKQ4NJ7ZQ4LTAM4/grimacememe.jpg The Banter Blog - Some Do’s and Dont’s Of Buying Bagpipes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1679694107625-2K7M98GY6RAXSY6UNXCA/107794397_3292985204091311_2176755520692717400_o_mccallum%2Bbagpipes.jpg The Banter Blog - Some Do’s and Dont’s Of Buying Bagpipes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1679694108328-DL54M6CVNGGCW9X5Y77F/usedpipes.jpg The Banter Blog - Some Do’s and Dont’s Of Buying Bagpipes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1679694107648-LMQ4BVP30JJ61Z5EXPT7/PPP1.jpg The Banter Blog - Some Do’s and Dont’s Of Buying Bagpipes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/89341061-7c3c-4951-bb7a-46874f072ac2/cracked.jpg The Banter Blog - Some Do’s and Dont’s Of Buying Bagpipes - Make it stand out A cracked section of drone - stresses me out just looking at it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/01b76b9f-01e8-4735-8455-09027c2dd027/alasdair-gillies.jpg The Banter Blog - Some Do’s and Dont’s Of Buying Bagpipes - Pictured: the late Alasdair Gillies, one of this century’s greatest and most awarded pipers. An example of lightly decorated bagpipes played by a master of the instrument. https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/the-banter-blog/blog-post-title-one-9hcmn monthly 0.5 2023-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/28e81e3e-4291-448b-ac49-43737ae691f8/npcinstructor.png The Banter Blog - How do I start learning bagpipes? - Finding a good instructor is the most difficult part of the learning process, but also the most essential. Like a doctor, personal trainer, or therapist, make sure you find someone you get along with who works with you and your sensibilities. If you aren’t having a good time at lessons, and you’re afraid to mention such, look elsewhere; there’s no room for that when learning an already difficult instrument. *As a note, many of us are a little “weird” and different, so don’t be surprised if you encounter some strong personalities. Most mean well! Pictured: A group lesson taking place at the National Piping Centre, Glasgow. Click the image to visit their website! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/7bf4f786-0942-4a11-bc55-01d887a0b81a/Practice-Chanter-PRC09B-1000x1000.jpg The Banter Blog - How do I start learning bagpipes? - The first and most important tool in your piping arsenal: the Practice Chanter. This allows for learning and close study of music without irritating all of your neighbors; the learning process is going to be messy, and you will make lots of awful noises. Best start off making them on something much quieter than the full Pipes! The majority of my teaching is done using the practice chanter, therefore it’s your greatest learning tool. Your practice chanter will remain with you for the duration of your piping, and you may even use it every day. I certainly do; In fact, I have two - one for downstairs, and one upstairs! There are two general styles: short, and long. Both are valid and equally useful; my personal recommendation is the long variation (pictured) as it’s designed with the same hole-spacing as a full Highland Bagpipe chanter. Nearly every highland supply distributor will carry a fantastic array of brands, with an equal variety of practice chanter reeds. I urge you to try at least a few different reed brands to find your preference in sound and airflow. My favorite shop is The Piper’s Hut, which you can find here. Tell them I said hi! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/f86c5252-a049-480e-8e8d-72d4f0749538/fmm.jpg The Banter Blog - How do I start learning bagpipes? - Make it stand out Field Marshal Montgomery Memorial Pipe Band, one of the world’s premier Grade 1 pipe bands with multiple World Champion titles. Image courtesy of the BBC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/b14f8896-adda-4309-974b-7ff48319134f/New+green+book.jpg The Banter Blog - How do I start learning bagpipes? - This is the book that formed the basis of my piping, as well as many thousands of others. I have a personal bias, of course, but this publication has remained relatively unchanged since its inception, one of the first to thoroughly codify an accessible method of learning for an otherwise alien instrument with difficult-to-find instruction. This book, along with a practice chanter, will provide a solid foundation for both your learning and your instructor’s teaching. Click the image to purchase! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/b7b0a20e-0bd2-4140-94cf-ffd0ce58be29/online-lesson.jpg The Banter Blog - How do I start learning bagpipes? - World-class instructors are now more accessible than ever thanks to video chat technology. Even your local instructor can supplement your normal lessons with something online, or keep your regular lesson schedule if they travel (as I often do). Reach out to your local (or closest) pipe band for recommendations, they’ll hopefully be able to help you make a connection! So there you go, now you have zero excuses! All joking aside, an instructor will be the most valuable asset in your learning journey. They also usually know all the best products, bands, and events for your reference; it’s good to know people on the inside! https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/the-banter-blog/tag/how+to+buy monthly 0.5 https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/the-banter-blog/tag/bagpipes monthly 0.5 https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/the-banter-blog/tag/how+much+are+bagpipes monthly 0.5 https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/the-banter-blog/tag/learn+to+play+bagpipes monthly 0.5 https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/the-banter-blog/tag/practice+chanter monthly 0.5 https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/the-banter-blog/tag/cheap+bagpipes monthly 0.5 https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/the-banter-blog/tag/where+to+buy monthly 0.5 https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/the-banter-blog/tag/become+a+bagpiper monthly 0.5 https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/for-the-curious daily 0.75 2024-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/7a7fef7e-d35c-453a-aaf6-a86572f700f1/20180820_182946.jpg About Me - “What’s your skill level?” My skill level is known as “Open”; Grades 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 are considered “amateur” grades, but those falling in these categories are still competent pipers. Open is the next step. This means two things: I win money if I place well during competitions, and the best players in the world are now my competitors. Gulp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/058fd379-f49f-41fc-b227-5109a758c8ae/20220402_150912.jpg About Me A close-up view of the bass drone. https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/contact daily 0.75 2023-03-24 https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/home daily 1.0 2024-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/eb8be7a7-147c-4fff-88ab-edb930247548/IMG-20230819-WA0001.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1650224803982-BRDRARJRDEUNEBIFONSL/Piping+Profile+Pic+911.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/7f04ed45-9d06-4763-8850-83f4881235aa/IMG-20230813-WA0001.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/b44150bc-8068-48a5-b14a-4351f5388642/temec+side+shot.jpg https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/gallery daily 0.75 2024-10-21 https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/home-1 daily 0.75 2024-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/7f04ed45-9d06-4763-8850-83f4881235aa/IMG-20230813-WA0001.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1650224803982-BRDRARJRDEUNEBIFONSL/Piping+Profile+Pic+911.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/b44150bc-8068-48a5-b14a-4351f5388642/temec+side+shot.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/eb8be7a7-147c-4fff-88ab-edb930247548/IMG-20230819-WA0001.jpg https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/home-1-1 daily 0.75 2024-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/7f04ed45-9d06-4763-8850-83f4881235aa/IMG-20230813-WA0001.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/b44150bc-8068-48a5-b14a-4351f5388642/temec+side+shot.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/eb8be7a7-147c-4fff-88ab-edb930247548/IMG-20230819-WA0001.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1650224803982-BRDRARJRDEUNEBIFONSL/Piping+Profile+Pic+911.jpg https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/home-2 daily 0.75 2024-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/eb8be7a7-147c-4fff-88ab-edb930247548/IMG-20230819-WA0001.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/7f04ed45-9d06-4763-8850-83f4881235aa/IMG-20230813-WA0001.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1650224803982-BRDRARJRDEUNEBIFONSL/Piping+Profile+Pic+911.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/b44150bc-8068-48a5-b14a-4351f5388642/temec+side+shot.jpg https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/home-3 daily 0.75 2024-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/7f04ed45-9d06-4763-8850-83f4881235aa/IMG-20230813-WA0001.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1650224803982-BRDRARJRDEUNEBIFONSL/Piping+Profile+Pic+911.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/b44150bc-8068-48a5-b14a-4351f5388642/temec+side+shot.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/eb8be7a7-147c-4fff-88ab-edb930247548/IMG-20230819-WA0001.jpg https://www.tallpiperforhire.com/home-4 daily 0.75 2024-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/eb8be7a7-147c-4fff-88ab-edb930247548/IMG-20230819-WA0001.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/b44150bc-8068-48a5-b14a-4351f5388642/temec+side+shot.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/1650224803982-BRDRARJRDEUNEBIFONSL/Piping+Profile+Pic+911.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6258712b77d08a6a4970a5b2/7f04ed45-9d06-4763-8850-83f4881235aa/IMG-20230813-WA0001.jpg