Ok, my background is in the GHB but I've done quite a bit of research recently into the Uileann Pipe and I've spoken to some local teachers, the problem is that it's 1500 for a practices set and it's going to take the gentlemen 6 months to make. I'm sure I can probly get one sooner from Ray Sloan or somebody, but I don't want to dump that much money into something that I may not end up really liking. So here's my question, where can I get a cheap practice set that is under 500 dollars? I don't mind buying Paki made as long as the scale is correct and the tone doesn't make my ears bleed. I just want to get a start on the instrument cheaply and then invest bigtime when I've decided I really enjoy playing it. Plus, this way I can get a headstart and develop on my skill while that gentlemen is maiking the niec ones for 6 months.
They're under $500, and the description leads me to believe that they're "well in tune", hehe. I know Lark in the Morning doesn't have the best rep around these parts, but unless you can find something used, I doubt you'll find some Uilleann Pipes for that little.
Depending on where you live, the NPU (UP player's org.) may have loaner sets available. This would be the best of both worlds - a good instrument to learn on that won;t frustrate you and also won't break the bank.
Six months for a decent instrument isn't that really much of a wait. Pat Olwell flutes run 7-8 years for the keyed models. If you intend to be serious about it, 6 months is the blink of an eye.
Also, if you really enjoy playing, a few grand is a very very good investment. If you decide it's not a good fit, good pipes hold their value and you won't be out much cash.
I would say to borrow or buy a reputable set before plunking down cash on a maginal set that may very well frustrate you.
I'll echo the comments of kilfarboy... here.... don't bother with going cheap - that's a guaranteed way to find that you don't like playing the UP.
If you buy a quality-made set, you'll have a much more pleasing experience with them. If you still end up not wanting to keep them, you can always sell them to someone (such as yourself) who just can't wait to get a practice (starter) set.
In the meantime, buy a good D whistle and learn the tunes while waiting the 6 months for your practice set. Save your money in the meantime... it's worth buying a well made set.
Good advice, I was looking on Dave Daye';s website and his "bargain" practice set seems to be much higher quality than the Paki stuff. Anyone have any input on David Daye's sets? Also, where can I get a good D whistle from?
You will hear mostly good about David Daye. If you are looking for beauty, you won't find it with Daye's stuff. It is not that they are unattractive, just plain and utilitarian. However, he makes up for that in function, in my opinion. I have owned four chanters (Patrick Murray, Neil O'Grady, Bruce Childress and David Daye.) By far the best sound I've been able to get ,in the desert in which I live, has been from the Daye chanter. It is my belief that it is in large part that he makes the reed to suit the climate. I'm not exactly sure how he does it. I have rudimentary reedmaking skills at this point, so I'm somewhat dependant on the maker. I've been very happy with him and his wares (in fact, I'm buying a set of his drones.)
Depending on where you are, you can try Martin Preshaw in Derry-I've got a 1/2 set from him and the chanter is really easy to play. The good thing about Uilleann Pipes is that they are up gradeable. Start with the practice set, get the drones on order; tie them into the main stock that has plugged for the regulators. Get the regs on order; Shouldn't take more than 10 years to get things together...Or you can go the whole hog route and check www.uilleannobsession.com and see what's for sale. There's something for sale on Pat's site all the time.
Ok, I found a High D Suasato Tunable Pennywhislte of Lark for 35 bucks that looks like it's decent enough. Says it can play two full octaves well so good times. I decided I'm gonna go with a David Daye set to start, and then if I'm enjoying it after a couple of months I'll invest in a more expensive ebony set. Thanks for all the help and input guys.
Well, I didn't mean like 2 months, it'll probly be like 4 or 5 months or whatever. I think its going to be more based on my progression and naturally affinity for it than a predtermined period of time. And I formally apologize if I've offended any Pakistani people here.
You'd have to ask Denis Brooks why there are 9 holes...
There was an added foot piece that would have made a D chanter play in C in the beginning of time, but, got removed so you can silence the chanter, but then someone more erudite than I can start.
I have a Daye half-set. It was not very expensive. I am content with the sound it produces for my purposes.His prices are very fair, he delivers on time, and he stands behind his product.
David asks his customers when they order what climatic zone they live in, and then provides the appropriate reeds. He apparently goes through a series of procedures to "stabilize" the raw cane before beginning the carving. This could be part of the key to his successes, and provide a good baseline of uniformity when troubleshooting.
To Mr. Logan, I would say, yes, try a set of his drones. They have a good volume, they wind quite easily, and the tone is more than acceptable to me (although admittedly noone has been asking me to play at their party/wedding/wake/yard sale as of yet!). They also do not cost an arm and a leg.
Email me directly for help. I teach the uilleann pipes and have directed the Florida Tionol and SE Tionol for years. Do NOT go for budget sets period. Get on a wait list from a reputable maker, and the mean time perhaps watch on ebay for a set, again by a reputable maker. Get some tunes on the low D whistle or even a regular D whistle whilst you wait.
Watch the Chiff and Fipple uilleann pipes forum for more information. There are always sets for sale... or www.uilleannobsession.com for the for sale page...
Find the cheapest low D available and buy it. The finger position required to play the pipes is known as the piper's fingering in which your fingers are flat not curved. To play a low whistle one must use flat fingers it takes a bit but you will become accustomed to it. Don't buy "cheap" pipes they will only cause you to give up.
I_fel I have heard of some reputable makers that keep time differently than the rest of the universe did you multiply the wait period 175% to calculate the 10 years to put together a complete set
No, but here's the time line
I get my practice set, think I want drones after 2 years, order them, takes 3 years to get ( now up to five), install them and get comfy playing them after a year or so, order regs and wait another 3 years to get them- ok so its 9 years....
Kinda happened to one of the folks in the club- ordered a practice set, got it and then ordered drones and regs- took almost as much time to get a full set.
harpanddragon.com is a good place to look. I got my practice set for about 400$. They seem pretty solidly made, though the reeds they supply aren't the best.
Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Ok, my background is in the GHB but I've done quite a bit of research recently into the Uileann Pipe and I've spoken to some local teachers, the problem is that it's 1500 for a practices set and it's going to take the gentlemen 6 months to make. I'm sure I can probly get one sooner from Ray Sloan or somebody, but I don't want to dump that much money into something that I may not end up really liking. So here's my question, where can I get a cheap practice set that is under 500 dollars? I don't mind buying Paki made as long as the scale is correct and the tone doesn't make my ears bleed. I just want to get a start on the instrument cheaply and then invest bigtime when I've decided I really enjoy playing it. Plus, this way I can get a headstart and develop on my skill while that gentlemen is maiking the niec ones for 6 months.
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by JasperPiper
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
I haven't played or heard these myself, but this might be an option for you.
http://larkinthemorning.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_BAG239_A_Bargain+Uilleann+Pipes_E_
They're under $500, and the description leads me to believe that they're "well in tune", hehe. I know Lark in the Morning doesn't have the best rep around these parts, but unless you can find something used, I doubt you'll find some Uilleann Pipes for that little.
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by devinomatic
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Depending on where you live, the NPU (UP player's org.) may have loaner sets available. This would be the best of both worlds - a good instrument to learn on that won;t frustrate you and also won't break the bank.
Six months for a decent instrument isn't that really much of a wait. Pat Olwell flutes run 7-8 years for the keyed models. If you intend to be serious about it, 6 months is the blink of an eye.
Also, if you really enjoy playing, a few grand is a very very good investment. If you decide it's not a good fit, good pipes hold their value and you won't be out much cash.
I would say to borrow or buy a reputable set before plunking down cash on a maginal set that may very well frustrate you.
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by wormdiet
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Hello
Well there is Martin Crossin in donegal, Ireland.
He makes a brilliant set of pipes. For a practice i think it is
500 POUNDS but it is well worth it.
Have a look at his website www.uilleannpipes.ie.
I gurentee you, you will not be disapointed.
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by murlach
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Do NOT at any time buy 'bargain' uilleann pipes.
Try Pat Sky or Dave Daye if you must but not on-line store Pakistani made 'instruments'. They make expensive wall hangings.
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by kilfarboy
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
I'll echo the comments of kilfarboy... here.... don't bother with going cheap - that's a guaranteed way to find that you don't like playing the UP.
If you buy a quality-made set, you'll have a much more pleasing experience with them. If you still end up not wanting to keep them, you can always sell them to someone (such as yourself) who just can't wait to get a practice (starter) set.
In the meantime, buy a good D whistle and learn the tunes while waiting the 6 months for your practice set. Save your money in the meantime... it's worth buying a well made set.
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by brianc
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Good advice, I was looking on Dave Daye';s website and his "bargain" practice set seems to be much higher quality than the Paki stuff. Anyone have any input on David Daye's sets? Also, where can I get a good D whistle from?
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by JasperPiper
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
You will hear mostly good about David Daye. If you are looking for beauty, you won't find it with Daye's stuff. It is not that they are unattractive, just plain and utilitarian. However, he makes up for that in function, in my opinion. I have owned four chanters (Patrick Murray, Neil O'Grady, Bruce Childress and David Daye.) By far the best sound I've been able to get ,in the desert in which I live, has been from the Daye chanter. It is my belief that it is in large part that he makes the reed to suit the climate. I'm not exactly sure how he does it. I have rudimentary reedmaking skills at this point, so I'm somewhat dependant on the maker. I've been very happy with him and his wares (in fact, I'm buying a set of his drones.)
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by Sean Logan
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Depending on where you are, you can try Martin Preshaw in Derry-I've got a 1/2 set from him and the chanter is really easy to play. The good thing about Uilleann Pipes is that they are up gradeable. Start with the practice set, get the drones on order; tie them into the main stock that has plugged for the regulators. Get the regs on order; Shouldn't take more than 10 years to get things together...Or you can go the whole hog route and check www.uilleannobsession.com and see what's for sale. There's something for sale on Pat's site all the time.
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by I_Fel
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Im having a hard time finding a D whsitle with the same finger hole layout as a Uilleann Pipe, they all seem to have only six holes instead of 9
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by JasperPiper
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Yup, the fingering is different - you aren't learning the precise movements, you're learning how to play the tunes musically.
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by wormdiet
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Ok, I found a High D Suasato Tunable Pennywhislte of Lark for 35 bucks that looks like it's decent enough. Says it can play two full octaves well so good times. I decided I'm gonna go with a David Daye set to start, and then if I'm enjoying it after a couple of months I'll invest in a more expensive ebony set. Thanks for all the help and input guys.
# Posted on April 17th 2007 by JasperPiper
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Only a couple of months?
If you're going to spend hundreds of dollars, you might want to consider at least six months to get the hang of it, maybe more.
# Posted on April 18th 2007 by brianc
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
I don't wish to get over-delicate, but it takes mere milliseconds longer to type "Pakistani" than it does to type "Paki" and I think it's worth it.
# Posted on April 18th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Well, I didn't mean like 2 months, it'll probly be like 4 or 5 months or whatever. I think its going to be more based on my progression and naturally affinity for it than a predtermined period of time. And I formally apologize if I've offended any Pakistani people here.
# Posted on April 18th 2007 by JasperPiper
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
You'd have to ask Denis Brooks why there are 9 holes...
There was an added foot piece that would have made a D chanter play in C in the beginning of time, but, got removed so you can silence the chanter, but then someone more erudite than I can start.
Or at least that's the story
# Posted on April 18th 2007 by I_Fel
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
PS- Jasper..dude.. two LLs
Pat Sky, Boston Pipe Works and David Daye are certainly front runners
# Posted on April 18th 2007 by I_Fel
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
I have a Daye half-set. It was not very expensive. I am content with the sound it produces for my purposes.His prices are very fair, he delivers on time, and he stands behind his product.
David asks his customers when they order what climatic zone they live in, and then provides the appropriate reeds. He apparently goes through a series of procedures to "stabilize" the raw cane before beginning the carving. This could be part of the key to his successes, and provide a good baseline of uniformity when troubleshooting.
To Mr. Logan, I would say, yes, try a set of his drones. They have a good volume, they wind quite easily, and the tone is more than acceptable to me (although admittedly noone has been asking me to play at their party/wedding/wake/yard sale as of yet!). They also do not cost an arm and a leg.
Good luck all.
# Posted on April 18th 2007 by Rook
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Email me directly for help. I teach the uilleann pipes and have directed the Florida Tionol and SE Tionol for years. Do NOT go for budget sets period. Get on a wait list from a reputable maker, and the mean time perhaps watch on ebay for a set, again by a reputable maker. Get some tunes on the low D whistle or even a regular D whistle whilst you wait.
Watch the Chiff and Fipple uilleann pipes forum for more information. There are always sets for sale... or www.uilleannobsession.com for the for sale page...
# Posted on April 18th 2007 by maze
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Find the cheapest low D available and buy it. The finger position required to play the pipes is known as the piper's fingering in which your fingers are flat not curved. To play a low whistle one must use flat fingers it takes a bit but you will become accustomed to it. Don't buy "cheap" pipes they will only cause you to give up.
I_fel I have heard of some reputable makers that keep time differently than the rest of the universe did you multiply the wait period 175% to calculate the 10 years to put together a complete set
# Posted on April 18th 2007 by Waymer
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
http://www.uilleannobsession.com/
# Posted on April 18th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
No, but here's the time line
I get my practice set, think I want drones after 2 years, order them, takes 3 years to get ( now up to five), install them and get comfy playing them after a year or so, order regs and wait another 3 years to get them- ok so its 9 years....
Kinda happened to one of the folks in the club- ordered a practice set, got it and then ordered drones and regs- took almost as much time to get a full set.
# Posted on April 18th 2007 by I_Fel
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
Andreas Rogge makes a low cost practice set for about 800$, it's polyacetal and brass, but good quality!
# Posted on April 19th 2007 by swisspiper
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
I saw several sets on the dreaded e-bay, which were advertised as being Irish made by "Geoffrey". Any good? Anyone? Please don't hurt me.
# Posted on September 10th 2007 by irish19
Re: Looking into Uilleann Pipes, please help.
harpanddragon.com is a good place to look. I got my practice set for about 400$. They seem pretty solidly made, though the reeds they supply aren't the best.
# Posted on September 21st 2007 by Donnelly