I just recieved my first set of uileann pipes and am running into a bit of trouble already.
I have a 3/4 set, and currently am just playing the chanter.
The trouble is, that when I pump air into the bag from the bellows, the bellows and the bag want to "share" the air being pumped. And alot of the air gets "caught" in the connecting tube. What can remedy this, or is this just how uilleann pipes work, and I should get used to it?
When ever I pump the bellows, alot of air comes out before the leather peice sticks and grabs closes the hole. It takes a tremendous amount of pumping and of air to make the chanter work, and when you pump air, sometimes the chanter is non-responsive. These pipes were a gift from my parents, and I really don't want to tell them all this, just yet. Any suggestions? I thought I may need more hemp, but where do I buy "Hemp" at how do I put it on?
It depends on the make of the set - and sadly, unless your folks did a LOT of homework, they may have ended up getting you a "high quality" set from Pakistan. You need a good quality set, from a reputable maker to be assured of relatively worry free playing - especially when fisrt starting out.
As for the valve problem (which it sounds is classically what you've described) it could be a number of factors. You'll firstly want to make certain that the hinges of the valves are oriented upwards, so that the action of closing is added by gravity rather than fighting it.
Second, check to make sure the entire set is air tight. If you live anywhere near another piper (and I mean say within several hours drive if needs be) make the trip and have them give it a go. They'll be able to tell you after a few quick pumps and a bit of a squeeze exactly where your porblems likely are, and how to go about sealing everything up.
There is NO substitute for a live and experienced piper to learn with/from. Take a look here:
See if there is a club or organization anywhere near you listed, and try to get in touch. Even if the closest one isn't all that close, get in touch with them anyway as they may know of some isolated pipers living relatively close to you that you may not be aware of. If you DO know of a piper near you - get in touch with them before you do anything else.
Also, check with either the maker, and/or the retailer who sold the set and see what their policies are regarding repairs (if needed).
Welcome to the most rewarding (and often difficult) instrument in Irish Traditional Music!
It's doubtful that you'll need to send them back. There is a check valve in the wooden tube that goes in to the bag ( the hose from the bellows connects to this tube). Sometimes the tube gets turned accidently and this causes the leather valve to not close properly. You can gently pull the wooden tube out of the bag and inspect the check valve which is usually a piece of leather that hangs over the end of the tube. The "hinge" of the leather valve needs to be on top when inserted back into the bag. The same is true of the bellows valve - the hinge needs to be on top. When not using the bellows, I make a point of laying it down so that the bellows valve is always facing down so that the leather flap remains in a closed position. Sometimes the leather will curl when stored unused for a time and the valve action becomes inefficient for a while. Regular use usually restores the valve to normal operation. Once in a while I'll put a drop on Neatsfoot oil on the leather to keep it supple.
I see that you are in Missouri where there are a number of good pipers who can help you sort things out. A lot of them hang out on the Chiff and Fipple Uilleann Pipe Forum so you ought to head over there and give them a shout.
Seth's work is second to probably no one in the US and second only to very few anywhere. His sets are top notch. I'd give him a call if you continue to have problems. And if you're in Missouri, you're not horribly far from Kirk Lynch - the only other pipe maker on par with Seth in the US by many accounts. It's certainly a relief to learn you got a good set made by an excellent guy either way.
There is a pipers' club in Kansas that I'm aware of, and there may also be one in Missouri (though I am not aware of a website for them if so) I Do know that a regular tionól in St. Louis is held each year I think. Anyway, the Kansas club can be found here:
I'd check in with them and see if they can point you to a piper close to you there. And seriously, stop in to see Kirk sometime. His work is visually stunning, to say nothing of the exceptional tone of his sets.
As a nother check, stick the blow pipe tube in you mouth and suck air from the bellows. You should be able to feel the check valve close, Do the same for the bag as well. You should be able to feel the valve close shut quickly.
To check for leaks, strap the bellows on and put your finger over the blow pipe tube, Pumb a couple of times; the bellows shouldn't deflate. Likewise, do do the same for the bag. Remove the chanter and pump till the bag is filled and squeeze on the bag. The bag shouldn't deflate at all.
Make sure the drone switch is closed so no air escapes through the drones. The regulators shouldn't be loosing air as well.
Lastly, find a pipers club as evryone else has suggested
Hi Harper lad (Johnathon right?) I think we've talked in the past, where in Missouri are you again? I'm up in Kansas City and can probably sort out your problem for you if you are up this way, alternatively you can email me privately with your phone # and I can walk you through a few things that could get this all straightened out.
http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/pipers/ This site doesn't appear to be very active. The last activity/event listed dates back to 2000. I know at least 2, maybe 3 of the listed members who have moved out of the state.
I don't think so, if you aren't in the confines of Saint Louis Irish Arts, Comhaltas, then you're **** out of luck trying to find other trads in the area. I really don't know of a good session in Saint Louis for advanced to intermediate players, just begining stuff.
Uilleann Pipe Question
Uilleann Pipe Question
Hello All,
I just recieved my first set of uileann pipes and am running into a bit of trouble already.
I have a 3/4 set, and currently am just playing the chanter.
The trouble is, that when I pump air into the bag from the bellows, the bellows and the bag want to "share" the air being pumped. And alot of the air gets "caught" in the connecting tube. What can remedy this, or is this just how uilleann pipes work, and I should get used to it?
When ever I pump the bellows, alot of air comes out before the leather peice sticks and grabs closes the hole. It takes a tremendous amount of pumping and of air to make the chanter work, and when you pump air, sometimes the chanter is non-responsive. These pipes were a gift from my parents, and I really don't want to tell them all this, just yet. Any suggestions? I thought I may need more hemp, but where do I buy "Hemp" at how do I put it on?
Please help! I would be greatful forever.
# Posted on December 26th 2004 by Harper_Lad
Re: Uilleann Pipe Question
It depends on the make of the set - and sadly, unless your folks did a LOT of homework, they may have ended up getting you a "high quality" set from Pakistan. You need a good quality set, from a reputable maker to be assured of relatively worry free playing - especially when fisrt starting out.
As for the valve problem (which it sounds is classically what you've described) it could be a number of factors. You'll firstly want to make certain that the hinges of the valves are oriented upwards, so that the action of closing is added by gravity rather than fighting it.
Second, check to make sure the entire set is air tight. If you live anywhere near another piper (and I mean say within several hours drive if needs be) make the trip and have them give it a go. They'll be able to tell you after a few quick pumps and a bit of a squeeze exactly where your porblems likely are, and how to go about sealing everything up.
There is NO substitute for a live and experienced piper to learn with/from. Take a look here:
http://www.saltlakepipers.com/Links.html
See if there is a club or organization anywhere near you listed, and try to get in touch. Even if the closest one isn't all that close, get in touch with them anyway as they may know of some isolated pipers living relatively close to you that you may not be aware of. If you DO know of a piper near you - get in touch with them before you do anything else.
Also, check with either the maker, and/or the retailer who sold the set and see what their policies are regarding repairs (if needed).
Welcome to the most rewarding (and often difficult) instrument in Irish Traditional Music!
Brian~
Salt Lake Piping Club
http://www.saltlakepipers.com
# Posted on December 26th 2004 by uilleann_craic
Re: Uilleann Pipe Question
Thanks Brian! It is a Gallagher set in Concert D, I've e-mailed Seth, but I just wanted a large consinces from alot of pipers.
Valve problems? Is this very serious? I just got the things, I sure don't want to send them back!
# Posted on December 26th 2004 by Harper_Lad
Re: Uilleann Pipe Question
It's doubtful that you'll need to send them back. There is a check valve in the wooden tube that goes in to the bag ( the hose from the bellows connects to this tube). Sometimes the tube gets turned accidently and this causes the leather valve to not close properly. You can gently pull the wooden tube out of the bag and inspect the check valve which is usually a piece of leather that hangs over the end of the tube. The "hinge" of the leather valve needs to be on top when inserted back into the bag. The same is true of the bellows valve - the hinge needs to be on top. When not using the bellows, I make a point of laying it down so that the bellows valve is always facing down so that the leather flap remains in a closed position. Sometimes the leather will curl when stored unused for a time and the valve action becomes inefficient for a while. Regular use usually restores the valve to normal operation. Once in a while I'll put a drop on Neatsfoot oil on the leather to keep it supple.
I see that you are in Missouri where there are a number of good pipers who can help you sort things out. A lot of them hang out on the Chiff and Fipple Uilleann Pipe Forum so you ought to head over there and give them a shout.
# Posted on December 26th 2004 by Bill Reeder
Re: Uilleann Pipe Question
Seth's work is second to probably no one in the US and second only to very few anywhere. His sets are top notch. I'd give him a call if you continue to have problems. And if you're in Missouri, you're not horribly far from Kirk Lynch - the only other pipe maker on par with Seth in the US by many accounts. It's certainly a relief to learn you got a good set made by an excellent guy either way.
There is a pipers' club in Kansas that I'm aware of, and there may also be one in Missouri (though I am not aware of a website for them if so) I Do know that a regular tionól in St. Louis is held each year I think. Anyway, the Kansas club can be found here:
http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/pipers/
I'd check in with them and see if they can point you to a piper close to you there. And seriously, stop in to see Kirk sometime. His work is visually stunning, to say nothing of the exceptional tone of his sets.
All the best!
Brian!
SLPC
# Posted on December 26th 2004 by uilleann_craic
Re: Uilleann Pipe Question
As a nother check, stick the blow pipe tube in you mouth and suck air from the bellows. You should be able to feel the check valve close, Do the same for the bag as well. You should be able to feel the valve close shut quickly.
To check for leaks, strap the bellows on and put your finger over the blow pipe tube, Pumb a couple of times; the bellows shouldn't deflate. Likewise, do do the same for the bag. Remove the chanter and pump till the bag is filled and squeeze on the bag. The bag shouldn't deflate at all.
Make sure the drone switch is closed so no air escapes through the drones. The regulators shouldn't be loosing air as well.
Lastly, find a pipers club as evryone else has suggested
Hope this helps
# Posted on December 26th 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Uilleann Pipe Question
Hi Harper lad (Johnathon right?) I think we've talked in the past, where in Missouri are you again? I'm up in Kansas City and can probably sort out your problem for you if you are up this way, alternatively you can email me privately with your phone # and I can walk you through a few things that could get this all straightened out.
Jeff
# Posted on December 26th 2004 by anima
Re: Uilleann Pipe Question
http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/pipers/ This site doesn't appear to be very active. The last activity/event listed dates back to 2000. I know at least 2, maybe 3 of the listed members who have moved out of the state.
# Posted on December 27th 2004 by Bill Reeder
Re: Uilleann Pipe Question
That group died a looooooooong time ago Bill.
Jeff
# Posted on December 27th 2004 by anima
Re: Uilleann Pipe Question
Are there any newer groups formed in the area or perhaps in the St. Louis area?
# Posted on December 27th 2004 by uilleann_craic
Re: Uilleann Pipe Question
I don't think so, if you aren't in the confines of Saint Louis Irish Arts, Comhaltas, then you're **** out of luck trying to find other trads in the area. I really don't know of a good session in Saint Louis for advanced to intermediate players, just begining stuff.
# Posted on December 27th 2004 by Harper_Lad
Re: Uilleann Pipe Question
So, Harper_Lad, did you get your valve problems resolved?
# Posted on December 27th 2004 by Bill Reeder