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Selecting a Bagpipe

© Ted Garvin

If you're still making serious attempts at practicing and learning, have learned the basic fingering and are playing a few tunes on the practice chanter, it's time to add the pipes to the mix. I say add because not only is the practice chanter a precursor to the pipes, it is also an addendum. Few pipers learn new tunes on the pipes.

What criteria should you use in buying your first set of pipes? First off, do not, repeat, DO NOT, buy pipes from Pakistan. Buy pipes made of African Blackwood or Ebony. Most pipes made in Scotland and Canada fit this category. There are many reputable brands like Henderson, Gibson, Hardie, Kintail, and others. It is possible to spend $10,000 on a set of pipes, especially if you're into antiques. Your first set of pipes should be as inexpensive as possible, while looking as nice as possible. Expect to spend anywhere from $800 - $1500 (US). The more ornamentation, the higher the price goes. In my opinion, nickel ferules will do just fine for a beginner. I prefer combing and beading, but my pipe major plays a set without that. Most often, it's not the pipes that are the problem, it's the piper. The piper is ignorant either of technique or his instrument. Often it's a combination of both. The first year or so of playing the pipes, there is a steep learning curve.

You've made your selection (quite likely over the Internet) and are already anxious to get them. The magic day arrives and you, oh so gently, unpack them. How to you get them into playing order. Let's back up a moment. Make sure you get them with stocks tied on. Cutting the holes in the bag, sticking the stocks in the holes and wrapping cord around them is not a job for a novice. So, you've got what looks like an amputated octopus (or would that be pentapus), the three drones, blowpipe and a chanter (assuming you remembered to order one).

The first thing you'll need to do is to season the bag. To do this, put in the large rubber stoppers (you'll want to have ordered both large and small stoppers) in all the stocks but the chanter stock. Make up the bagpipe seasoning according to the instructions and pour half of it into the bag. Rub the bag between your hands until the inside is supple and the motion is smooth. Drain it thoroughly, and hang it up overnight.

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