Hello, my name is Alex from Spain. I have been playing the Galician bag pipe for 6 years and now I have decided to learn to play the Uilleann Pipe.
I need some information about the low cost practice set made in Pakistan? I found by internet some low cost sets but I am not convinced with them. Could somebody comment me your oun experience with this kind of instruments? Perhaps is better to make a bigger effort and adquire a hand made instrument. What about the Spanish maker Hevia?
I am mot sure if is neccesary to start with a chanter with keys? Perhaps I could start withou keys and change the chanter in the furure...
Thanks in advance (you can answer me in Spanish if you want)
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Lo siento. Hable espanol cuando fui (era?) un nino en escuela, pero no mas. And even that's grammatically incorrect. Anywho, I can't speak from experience regarding the Pakistani pipes, but I know every once in a while somebody will ask about Pakistani flutes and there is a general consensus that the flutes are a waste of money. I'm going to assume therefore that the pipes are also a waste of money. I'm always under the assumption that if something is really inexpensive, it's probably inexpensive for a reason, usually a bad reason. Can't help you on your other questions unfortunately.
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Pakistani Uilleann pipes are univerally loathed within the piping community and are considered a huge waste of time and money. See the Chiff and Fipple Uilleann pipe forum faq section for a more comprehensive discussion of the issues related to the purchase of said pipes.
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
i disagree. My first set of pipes was a pakistani set. Ok fair enough it took ages to get them working perfectly, but overall they were good for beginners.
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Wait until the Chinese start making them, like everything else, great quality and cheap. This is reverse capitalism aimed at quantity rather than exclusive quality, which enables one to manufacture good quality goods at a low price.
Sorry to disagree, Jason G.
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
With respect to keys, you would do well to get the c natural key. This key is essential for playing the second octave c note. You can cross finger or half-hole the chanter to get the other notes for the most part. I have 5 keys on my chanter and mainly use the c, g#, and f natural.
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
It probably IS possible to mass produce quality uilleann pipes from an engineering standpoint, but not from a financial standpoint.
To drive the prices down into the sub-$1000 USD range for a rugged, in-tune concert pitch D full set with acceptable tonal qualities, a serious effort by a major manufacturer like Yamaha would require firm orders for complete full sets from virtually the entire traditional musician population of Ireland and the irish diaspora plus several tens of thousands more to warrant a multi-million dollar initial investment in tools, R&D, and marketing.
'Tain't gonna happen.
aromero: pakistani pipes = merda. Get your pipes directly from a reputable pipemaker. Be prepared to spend $$$$.
See www.pipers.ie for a list of pipemakers and their contact info. You should also check out uilleannobsession.com.
You'll need to get a pipes teacher, too, and the sooner the better.
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Hevia might be fine - and it's near to you, so they can help you if run into any troubles with leakages, reeds and so on. Their prices are OK and their reputation as well. High end pipes are much more expensives and the wait time for some makers is higher then there life expectation.
Pakistani are lousy made, but when you invest a lot of work sometimes they can be used, at least I've heard *one* practice set which was playable.
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
When India was a part of the British Empire Highland pipe bands flourished. GHB began to be made in India to supply the many regimental pipe bands. Some very fine instruments were made around the end of the 20th century. Then sweatshop like knock-offs started to come out of pakistan after the partition and withdrawal of GB. Now very badly made instruments of all kinds stream out of a couple of shops in Pakistan. They are made fast and cheap with no attention to detail or craftmanship whatsoever.
If you know what you are doing you can think of these sets as an unfinish kit and expect to put some sweat equity into them to get them playing at an acceptable level but they are not for the beginner by any means. Unfortunately, beginners are always drawn in by the price.
Hevia are excellent craftsmen and you can get a lovely set from them.
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
I worked over a practice set made by some outfit called Bagpipes Galore that had to be worse than the stuff made by Mid East Exporters (which makes lots of these cheap flutes and I assume the pipes as well). At least the Pakistani pipes aren't made out of rubber...
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Check chiff and fipple's uilleann pipe forum and look at the Pakistani "sticky". Check uilleannobsession.com for known good sets and recommendations.
If you can find a piper to go with you and have it played. CHECK for LEAKS; took me 3 years to get things leak free.
Find a teacher, go to Willie Week or your nearest tionol and have people show you how to play the insrument. Bring a recording device so you can listen to your lessons.
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
good thing im not "Pakistani" Kevin. when they start making quality items, instead of garbage meant to trick inexperienced players, then they'll get some respect.
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
That's true Kevin, He got a C chanter from them some years ago (not sure about the whole set, though) Arhpa pipes are really high end instruments. Never seen such a finish in other makers. You also can upgrade the instrument from practice to half and to full set. You can visit them at Guadarrama, Madrid.
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Thanks to all for your comments...
I think that the best option is to adquire a good quality hand made uilleann pipe. I will contact with Arhpa in Madrid and I will order the practice set without key???
I started to play the galician pipe with a Seivane pipe and I do not want to lose my money, my time and most important my ilusion learning with a bad pipe...
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Just to add to the general bashing these Pakistani makers are getting, I've seen examples of their harps. You can also find them all over ebay, presumably because people have bought them and then want to get rid of them. They're really rubbish!!
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
In case the point has not been made clear by now, do not get "Paki" pipes! I had a set of GHB's when I was first starting, made in Pakistan. I showed them to my pipe major, who pointed out that: The drones were not bored into the center of the stocks, the inside of the drone was not smooth, the bag was cheap and cracking, the whole thing was built from rosewood (okay for some instruments, not great for pipes) and that the chanter was out of tune! I dare say it's the same way for Uilleann pipes (which I want to get my hands on also).
NB for all Australian Ebay customers (if you actually want to get a set of pipes from there) beware of the advert offering "bonuses" such as the I love pipes sticker....they're Paki ,and quite dodgy!
Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Hello, my name is Alex from Spain. I have been playing the Galician bag pipe for 6 years and now I have decided to learn to play the Uilleann Pipe.
I need some information about the low cost practice set made in Pakistan? I found by internet some low cost sets but I am not convinced with them. Could somebody comment me your oun experience with this kind of instruments? Perhaps is better to make a bigger effort and adquire a hand made instrument. What about the Spanish maker Hevia?
I am mot sure if is neccesary to start with a chanter with keys? Perhaps I could start withou keys and change the chanter in the furure...
Thanks in advance (you can answer me in Spanish if you want)
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by aromero
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Lo siento. Hable espanol cuando fui (era?) un nino en escuela, pero no mas. And even that's grammatically incorrect. Anywho, I can't speak from experience regarding the Pakistani pipes, but I know every once in a while somebody will ask about Pakistani flutes and there is a general consensus that the flutes are a waste of money. I'm going to assume therefore that the pipes are also a waste of money. I'm always under the assumption that if something is really inexpensive, it's probably inexpensive for a reason, usually a bad reason. Can't help you on your other questions unfortunately.
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by Jason G
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Pakistani Uilleann pipes are univerally loathed within the piping community and are considered a huge waste of time and money. See the Chiff and Fipple Uilleann pipe forum faq section for a more comprehensive discussion of the issues related to the purchase of said pipes.
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by Bill Reeder
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
i disagree. My first set of pipes was a pakistani set. Ok fair enough it took ages to get them working perfectly, but overall they were good for beginners.
aromero, i can make you a set if you really want.
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by Scrappy the Godo
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Wait until the Chinese start making them, like everything else, great quality and cheap. This is reverse capitalism aimed at quantity rather than exclusive quality, which enables one to manufacture good quality goods at a low price.
Sorry to disagree, Jason G.
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by bodhran bliss
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
With respect to keys, you would do well to get the c natural key. This key is essential for playing the second octave c note. You can cross finger or half-hole the chanter to get the other notes for the most part. I have 5 keys on my chanter and mainly use the c, g#, and f natural.
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by Bill Reeder
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
It probably IS possible to mass produce quality uilleann pipes from an engineering standpoint, but not from a financial standpoint.
To drive the prices down into the sub-$1000 USD range for a rugged, in-tune concert pitch D full set with acceptable tonal qualities, a serious effort by a major manufacturer like Yamaha would require firm orders for complete full sets from virtually the entire traditional musician population of Ireland and the irish diaspora plus several tens of thousands more to warrant a multi-million dollar initial investment in tools, R&D, and marketing.
'Tain't gonna happen.
aromero: pakistani pipes = merda. Get your pipes directly from a reputable pipemaker. Be prepared to spend $$$$.
See www.pipers.ie for a list of pipemakers and their contact info. You should also check out uilleannobsession.com.
You'll need to get a pipes teacher, too, and the sooner the better.
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by Hanley
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
don't go anywhere near the pakistani pipes! - tyhey are murderously out of tune & often very quiet.
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by samburnstone
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
an example of a pakistani set (I think) : http://youtube.com/watch?v=ae_IlCqzpRQ
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by samburnstone
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
See this website http://www.instrumentsoftradition.com/arhpa_-half_set.htm
The pipemaker is spanish... Hevia!
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by SILVIO 64
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
me gusta pipas uilleann.
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by polkageist
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Hevia might be fine - and it's near to you, so they can help you if run into any troubles with leakages, reeds and so on. Their prices are OK and their reputation as well. High end pipes are much more expensives and the wait time for some makers is higher then there life expectation.
Pakistani are lousy made, but when you invest a lot of work sometimes they can be used, at least I've heard *one* practice set which was playable.
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by swisspiper
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Excuse my curiosity, but how did Pakistan come to be a major source of Uilleann pipes?
# Posted on December 29th 2006 by nicholas
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
When India was a part of the British Empire Highland pipe bands flourished. GHB began to be made in India to supply the many regimental pipe bands. Some very fine instruments were made around the end of the 20th century. Then sweatshop like knock-offs started to come out of pakistan after the partition and withdrawal of GB. Now very badly made instruments of all kinds stream out of a couple of shops in Pakistan. They are made fast and cheap with no attention to detail or craftmanship whatsoever.
If you know what you are doing you can think of these sets as an unfinish kit and expect to put some sweat equity into them to get them playing at an acceptable level but they are not for the beginner by any means. Unfortunately, beginners are always drawn in by the price.
Hevia are excellent craftsmen and you can get a lovely set from them.
# Posted on December 30th 2006 by baglady
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
I worked over a practice set made by some outfit called Bagpipes Galore that had to be worse than the stuff made by Mid East Exporters (which makes lots of these cheap flutes and I assume the pipes as well). At least the Pakistani pipes aren't made out of rubber...
# Posted on December 30th 2006 by Kevin Rietmann
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Hevia are said to be good makers - Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains got a set from them, or was playing one anyway.
# Posted on December 30th 2006 by Kevin Rietmann
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Check chiff and fipple's uilleann pipe forum and look at the Pakistani "sticky". Check uilleannobsession.com for known good sets and recommendations.
If you can find a piper to go with you and have it played. CHECK for LEAKS; took me 3 years to get things leak free.
Find a teacher, go to Willie Week or your nearest tionol and have people show you how to play the insrument. Bring a recording device so you can listen to your lessons.
Have fun and welcome to the club!
# Posted on December 30th 2006 by I_Fel
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
good thing im not "Pakistani" Kevin. when they start making quality items, instead of garbage meant to trick inexperienced players, then they'll get some respect.
# Posted on January 1st 2007 by rob_handel
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
That's true Kevin, He got a C chanter from them some years ago (not sure about the whole set, though) Arhpa pipes are really high end instruments. Never seen such a finish in other makers. You also can upgrade the instrument from practice to half and to full set. You can visit them at Guadarrama, Madrid.
Rgds
# Posted on January 2nd 2007 by sylvester
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Thanks to all for your comments...
I think that the best option is to adquire a good quality hand made uilleann pipe. I will contact with Arhpa in Madrid and I will order the practice set without key???
I started to play the galician pipe with a Seivane pipe and I do not want to lose my money, my time and most important my ilusion learning with a bad pipe...
# Posted on January 2nd 2007 by aromero
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
Just to add to the general bashing these Pakistani makers are getting, I've seen examples of their harps. You can also find them all over ebay, presumably because people have bought them and then want to get rid of them. They're really rubbish!!
# Posted on January 3rd 2007 by Mark Harmer
Re: Information about uilleann pipe made in pakistan
In case the point has not been made clear by now, do not get "Paki" pipes! I had a set of GHB's when I was first starting, made in Pakistan. I showed them to my pipe major, who pointed out that: The drones were not bored into the center of the stocks, the inside of the drone was not smooth, the bag was cheap and cracking, the whole thing was built from rosewood (okay for some instruments, not great for pipes) and that the chanter was out of tune! I dare say it's the same way for Uilleann pipes (which I want to get my hands on also).
NB for all Australian Ebay customers (if you actually want to get a set of pipes from there) beware of the advert offering "bonuses" such as the I love pipes sticker....they're Paki ,and quite dodgy!
# Posted on January 12th 2007 by Shmorgan