I play the McCallum acytel pipes and love them I live in west Tennessee where the heat and humidity are oppressive, and they are perfect they don't warp or crack like blackwood and the tonal quality is spot on I would recommend them to anyone
Pleased to hear that, Dennis. I also find that the V3 moisture control system compliments the pipes well - no condensation in the drone bores or reeds, and you don't need to remove it from the pipe bag - the thousands of ceramic beads inside the canister are self-drying !
Yes, you are right (never come across Murray pipes, though). I had a great set of Dunbar delrin pipes myself, that I imported from Canada four years ago (didn't want to stop playing them !) and finally sold them to one of my pupils after I bought the McCallum set.
The mounts now used by McCallum, are made from a nickel alloy: the great thing is - they don't need cleaning at all, and don't go dull or tarnish: the mounts stay as shiny as new. Happy days !
The nice thing about that set is, you can send them back to McCallum for upgrades to the mounts. If you want to add metal slides or ferules or mounts in imitation ivory, they can do that for you.
The first tune, starting at 2:43, is a version of "The Dark Island" (from the Scots Guards Book 2), but I now favour playing a 'B' instead of an 'A' for the 4th note.
You'll always get condensation on your drone reeds, whether you use an Acetyl/Poly set or an AB set: they both need moisture control. I've used the V3 Drier System (developed by Robert Mathieson) over the last 5 years, and that eliminates the problem entirely ! I use Mark Lee's "Rocket Reeds" in my own set, but will look at the Murray Henderson for my pupils' pipes - thanks !
Oh i don't play the bagpipes, was just looking at videos of them and learning more. I'm looking to become a music professor so i need to cram my self with knowledge! I play bass clarinet and Bb clarinet mainly... i aslo play bassoon. You're really good at what you do!
I play a McCallum P2 Poly Bagpipe. I use MG Plastic reeds in the drones and a Sheperd Medium Reed in the chanter, and it sounds just like any blackwood set.
Hello dear fellow piper. U used to play the Galician Bagpipe, but recently I bought a DELRIN bagpipe from BAGPIPE GALORE, Edimburgh. I'll be very thankful knowing your opinion about this material. Best wishes from Spain
Acetyl and Delrin are either the same, or very similar materials. I do not know Bagpipes Galore - no serious pipers or pipe bands play that make as far as I know. The best current bagpipe makers in the U.K. are McCallum, R.G. Hardie/Henderson, David Naill, Shepherd, Wallace, and Sinclair. In Canada/USA there is Dunbar, Gibson, Colin Kyo and Kron that I have heard good things about.
piperbob2 Thanks very much for your kind answer. The thing is I work almost every day over my Bagpipe, and I am very happy and even I am improving...I hope..hahaha....Thanks once more.
@mrpiperman32 Thanks Jason. I've got to add - they work really well for me, and strike in perfectly very time, and never stop, even in cold, wet weather, thanks to the V3 moisture system I use inside the bag (a bit heavy, but you soon get used to that !)
@kurt1698 There's nothing wrong with the bass drone: it's a protective sleeve made of leather, held together with velcro (a simple 'invention' of mine) to protect both the drone and my silver plaid brooch, preventing them from scratching each other, when I wear full highland dress uniform.
I purchased a set of P1 pipes from McCallum. My bagpipe teacher is setting them up right now. I am just going onto the pipes from the chanter. She is pretty excited on wanting to know how they will sound compared to ABW pipes.She has never heard the sound from Acetyl pipes . I bought these pipes after careful consideration and hours of sorting through the internet and they had good reviews, although some people were saying that Acetyl pipes are crap and they don't sound as good as ABW pipes and others saying that they can't tell the difference. It would be interesting to see what my bagpipe teachers comments will be. I will keep you informed piperbob.
Hello Daryn ! If your teacher sets up your new McCallum acetyl pipes with a good, compatible set of drone reeds, you will find that they sound as good as any ABW set (once they have been played long enough for the drone reeds to settle and hold their pitch). After all, a tube is a tube, whether it's made of acetyl or a close-grained hardwood: and grade 1 bands and top soloists have been playing acetyl (plastic/polypenco) chanters for years. Yes, do let me know what your teacher thinks of the sound (you can email me at scotspipers@hotmail.com if you like). I prefer Shepherd pipe bags to either Bannatyne or Canmore. Also, once you are playing your pipes for any length of time, you will benefit from using a MCS (moisture control system): I prefer the V3 Drier System, which I've been using for more than 10 years now, which keeps the inside bore of the drones and the drone reeds dry; and you don't need to take the canister out of the pipe bag, like you have to do with other makes. Also, make sure you have a water-trap (e.g a Moose Valve) fitted to the inside of the blowpipe stock: that will stop saliva from getting into the pipe bag, which would shorten its life. Good luck with your new pipes and enjoy playing them !!
I have the same basic PO model pipes. I prefer playing my AB1 blackwood pipes more, the plastic has a harder drone sound. I also don't like that the drone reed seats are oversized compared to my wood set. Also the tuning pin hemp retainers are smaller than my wood set. I like that the plastic is nearly indestructible and no oiling is required. They are very lightweight and easy to carry.
@GWRjim Hi Jim - Both sets are by McCallum Bagpipes: the plain black set is the P0 model that I usually order for my young pupils (I'm a trade customer with the company) and from 1:34 - 2:13 you can see the McCallum pipes that I play myself (acetyl with engraved nickel-alloy mounts).
@FingerTip777 Oh, that was the first measure of "The Royal Scots Polka" (a four-parted 2/4 in the key of D) I never found the music for it, but learned it mainly by ear, over the years - it used to be popular with bands when I started playing (often played along with the "Black Watch Polka").
I think you are right: it's also called 'mpingo' in the local lingo. I have read that woodwind players find that hard rubber gives a better sound than grenadilla, so the use of acetyl may well be the way forward !
@StrathendrickPiper (contd) and I have a V3 moisture control system, by Robert Mathieson, which is so effective that I wouldn't be without it - drone reeds don't get wet and never stop like they used to after a couple of hours playing.
Actually the 'F' was sounding sharp ! - I had made the reed easier to play for my young student, by carefully scraping the blades; but I am used to a stronger reed, and was, no doubt, blowing too hard. Easily rectified !
@StrathendrickPiper The plain acetyl pipes worked out at about £500 in total (including £123 for a Shepherd Hide Regulator Bag, and £40 for a Universal Blowpipe - the MG drone reeds, silk cords and a bag cover all came from McCallums along with the stocks and drones). The engraved nickel-alloy mounted set (the mounts are 'staybright' and won't tarnish) comes in at about £800 I think. I personally use a set of old rocket reeds2 that were made for me by Mark Lee in the U.S.
Sorry for late reply. Yes, just contact McCallums, and ask if they will make an Acetyl set with fully engraved nickel alloy mounts (as per their AB Engraved Full Alloy African Blackwood set).
Thank you. Them Acytle pipes sound incredible. I am really keen to get a set. May I ask "What was the tune you played on the basic set first?" I would like to learn that one. I have a nice Mc cullems chanter with a quality reed. Finally, what are the eezidrones like? Are they better than the MG? I'm a complete beginner although can play a few tunes on the chanter. Thanks 😊
Hi Malcolm, I'm glad you like the sound of acetyl pipes. The first tune is called "The Dark Island". I found the Eezidrone reeds fine, if they gave no trouble, but very sensitive to alteration (e.g. moving the bridal to alter the length of reed's tongue). I would prefer the MG carbon tongue reeds or Kinnaird ones (the tongues are full length and easier to alter). Have you also seen this clip of mine: th-cam.com/video/20s0_aMACw8/w-d-xo.html - longer tongues, easier to control.
@@piperbob2 Thank you, I'm after the best sounding plug and play style. My knowledge of pipes and reeds is very limited as this will be my first set. Thanks
@@piperbob2 Sadly, in England, there are very few good teachers. But I completely agree with your comment, I shall just have to do the best I can in the interim. Thanks
Hey Bob, nice work ! Also own McCallum P0, great stuff ! I'm French and I'm passionate with bagpipes, so could you tell me please the title of the 1st song you perform in this video ? Thanks a lot, greetings. Jo.
Hello piperbob2 i have the p0 model of pipes great set i notice you use mg drone reeds i suggest you try the Murray Henderson drone reeds the mg reeds sound a bit raspy it the polys i will be selling my set of polys by the end of this year for a AB2D McCallum pipes they are a blackwood set i will get these because of the moisture problem i recommend the blackwood set because what i spent on moisture control it would be easier to get a blackwood set but try the Murray Henderson reeds
The basic, all black acetyl set (sticks & stocks from McCallum, with Shepherd Hide Regulator Bag, and Universal Blowpipe) works out now at just over £500.
It's probably just the different chanter reeds and their position in their respective reed seats that caused any difference in pitch. Also, the P0 model's chanter reed had been scraped, to be easy enough to suit a beginner.
I’m considering getting a set of McCallum or Dunbar for my second set of pipes. I love my Blackwood Pipes but the heat and humidity here in Arkansas give them problems playing outdoors in summer. The wood swells and hemp joints become loose,and I dare not add hemp because they would probably crack when I bring them inside the air conditioned indoors. Obviously composite sets shouldn’t have those issues other than the reeds going out of tune. Are water traps ,moisture control systems and zipper bags more essential for plastic pipes since all the moisture will go straight towards your reeds ?
A good idea ! I haven't played my Blackwood set for the last 10 years or so. Tried out a basic poly Dunbar set for two years and loved the sound I was getting, and then passed it on to one of my students when I bought my McCallum Acetyl set (see from 3:58 onwards in the video). A Moose valve/watertrap in the blowpipe stock will stop saliva getting into the pipe bag (thus increasing its longevity), and a V3 Drier System (now from www.g1reeds.com in Scotland) which will keep your drone reeds dry; the great thing about the V3 is that you don't need to remove the canister from the pipe bag to dry the ceramic beads, and the tubes to the drone stocks each have a valve, so a good strike-in and cut-off every time. Do let me know what you get, and how you get on with it all. (my email is: scotspipers@hotmail.com)
piperbob2 A friend gave me a set of McCallum Folk Pipes,plastic I guess Acetyl bagpipes. He gave up and didn’t want to throw them away and thought I might try them. They play and they seem like brand new condition but they are may 7 or 8 years old. They play but I noticed the chanter was a lot quieter than the drones and I discovered the chanter reed was cracked. Hopefully I can find a chanter reed for them. The drone reeds seem perfect condition EZ Drone Reeds. I can’t complain about a free instrument. I hate to see any musical instrument thrown away. Do you know much about folk pipes. They look like miniature highland pipes.
I don't know anything about Folk Pipes, I'm afraid, or any smallpipes for that matter - only Highland pipes. What is the chanter reed like (plastic or cane / what shape is it - long and thin like a practice chanter reed, or shorter and wider like a pipe chanter reed ? Best idea is to go to the McCallum website and go through their on-line brochures to see if you can find what the instrument is called exactly, and then email the company (info@mccallumbagpipes.com) to ask about spare chanter reeds for it. Are the EZ drone reeds full-size ? They could be too loud if they are Highland pipe-size (?)
piperbob2 The chanter seems to be the same length as the highland pipes and seem to be the same fingering but thin like a long practice chanter. But the reed seems larger but with a lower buzzy pitch, I found a few videos that sound the same just louder without the cracked reed. The drone reeds look like tiny miniature versions of the highland pipe drone reeds. Not sure what key they’re in. Their website calls them Folk Pipes but only shows a picture of the Blackwood version but says available in plastic too,they look just like a miniature version of the basic acetyl highland pipes in this video. I think I’ve seen other companies calling them parlor pipes. It has a zipper bag a moisture control system with it the guy never put it ,looks like they connect to the stocks inside the bag. They rattle with i guess moisture control granules inside. Seen a few videos of some of the guys from McCallum playing them saying they’ve a great indoor instrument than can be played with a guitar and other instruments. I hope I can learn them.
Hi, very impressive. You played a tune at the very end which I used to play some years ago but have forgotten the name of. Can you help please, Thank you, Mervyn
Hello Mervyn, Thank you ! Yes, the tune is "The Royal Scots Polka". I would often hear it played by pipe bands on the Scottish radio programme 'Chanter' (now 'Pipeline') together with "The Black Watch Polka".
Thank you Sir. I've always wanted to know. I bought a cheap set of pipes to play on my own, now that I am not in a band. But alas they are not very good. Is there any way that I could work with them to bring them up to scratch or is it a case of fighting a losing battle? Thank you for your valued opinion, Mervyn piperbob2
MrArtisticsound You're welcome ! Is the inside bore of the drones etc. fairly smooth, and the wood a dense, close-grained hardwood ? If so, your pipes could be perfectly fine. If, however, the inside bore is rough, and the wood is not really dense, then the pipes could be an imported set from the east, and only good for hanging on the wall. In that case, I would suggest looking up McCallum Bagpipes and check out their range of Acetyl pipes !
McCallum Bagpipes (www.mccallumbagpipes.com) make Acetyl sets of pipes: there was a price increase of 5% on 01/10/2024, so I can't be sure of prices - it depends on what model you choose. Acetyl will be much less expensive than African Blackwood and there no chance of cracking or warping in the future.
It's only my engraved nickel-alloy Acetyl pipes that are about 1/4 of the price of a silver-mounted African Blackwood set. Otherwise an Acetyl set is about 70% of the cost of an AB set. The plain Acetyl set works out at about £500 (UK Pounds), and my set of engraved nickel-alloy Acetyl set (with the V3 Drier and MacMillan watertrap/valve) cost about £1,000 (UK Pounds) in all.
i have alot of pipes including dunbar p1s which are delrin but they sound great dont be afraid to buy these pipes just stay away from murray bagpipes and pakistani made pipes
Hi i'm an italian neopiper and i've just ordered a new set of P1 from McCallum now i'm wondering which set of reeds i should put in it to have a good sound . Any information would be very appreciated
You will be very pleased with your new set, when it arrives. Any good make of drone reeds will work fine (they may need adjusting to suit the strength of your chanter reed). If you are playing for any considerable length of time, you will need a MCS (moisture control system) to keep the drone reeds dry. I am very happy with the V3 drier System (which you can buy from www.thekiltcentre.com). Good luck !
I have a question if you don't mind. I just got the same. 15 years ago I was on Dunbars. I was considering going to a BW chanter. What is your opinion?
Sure, John ! Yes, my first poly pipes (sticks & stocks), I imported to the U.K. from Dunbar, and fitted a Shepherd bag, and my own McCallum chanter and blowpipe: I really liked the sound I got from the drones. A good make of African Blackwood chanter would be good, but you would really have to look after it carefully (it's brittle, unlike polypenco/acetyl); so, when you put it in the stock, and when you remove it, DON'T hold or twist the chanter at the bottom (it could crack) - handle it by the semi-sphere at the top ! After a few years of playing an AB chanter, you'll find the holes will smooth out, and be more comfortable to play. Hope that helps. Bob
You would best check with your teacher (if you are trying to self-learn, it's really not a good idea, even if you have a tutor book: you will make mistakes and get into bad habits that a book will not be able to correct.) Hopefully, you will have a teacher, who will allow you to hold his pipes, inflate the bag and see if his blowpipe/mouthpiece length is correct for you. If you are bending your neck forwards to reach the mouthpiece, then you would need a longer one etc. You could visit your nearest pipe band for advice and help, or visit your nearest pipe maker, depending on what country you live in (Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, USA, Canada - all have reputable pipe makers.) If you like, send me an email (scotspipers@hotmail.com ....... I live in Surrey, U.K.) and we can keep in touch. Please don't even consider buying on-line: the market is flooded with cheap, badly made imitations, imported from the east, that just don't work !
The basic set would be about £500 UK ($690 US) now. The first tune is the slow air "The Dark Island" and the tune at the end is "The Royal Scots Polka".
Dunbar Bagpipes, based in St. Catharines, make pipes like these (they called the material polypenco - same thing as acetyl). My first set like this, was from Dunbar Bagpipes - I imported what we call the "sticks and stocks" into the UK, added a pipe bag, blowpipe and chanter, and was enchanted with the sound I get - I just didn't want to stop playing. So here you will see the 5 stocks (for bass drone, 2 tenor drones, blowpipe and chanter). The bass drone has 3 sections -lower, middle and top; the 2 tenor drones have 2 sections each - lower and top (there are one bass drone reed and two tenor drone reeds). The drones are held together with a set of silk or woollen drone cords. There is the blowpipe with mouthpiece attached and the pipe chanter (with pipe chanter reed inside). Accessories recommended - a Moose valve/watertrap (fitted in the blowpipe stock, it will prolong the life of the pipe bag), and eventually (when you are playing for long periods) I recommend the V3 Drying System from The Kilt Centre in Hamilton, Scotland. (Very good - you don't need to remove the canister to dry it ! Magic !) P.S. You can always email me (Bob Ash) - scotspipers@hotmail.com
I bought this set from McCallum Bagpipes (and the pipe bag from Shepherd Bagpipes) www.mccallumbagpipes.com The plain black Acetyl set was for one of my students, and the set you can see from 3:57 onwards, is my own set of Acetyl pipes, also from McCallums, with engraved alloy mounts.
No difference in sound: but visually, you only know it's Acetyl when you get up really close and notice that it has no imperfections, no grain, and is perfectly black and smooth.
Hi, I am an American Irish whistle player that wants to learn the bagpipes as well. I've invested a lot of time learning the Irish whistle but I really want to learn the bagpipes. What would you recommend starting out with? I'm not willing to pay a whole lot for them at the moment. Maybe $200. Thanks
The first thing you need to do is to find a piping teacher/pipe band/piping society near you (the Highland pipes are reckoned to be the most difficult instrument to learn, so you WILL need a teacher). Do NOT buy a set of pipes without expert guidance (and never from general selling websites or music shops, as the market is flooded with cheap rubbish from the far east). You will need a practice chanter to learn on, and your teacher will probably recommend a tutor book that gives structured lessons, such as the one the National Piping Centre or the College of Piping (both in Glasgow, Scotland). In the USA, I know of Henderson's in Traverse City, MI who supply bagpipes and accessories from Scottish makers, and US and Canadian companies. (see www.hendersongroupltd.com). You won't need a set of pipes for a year or two, as learning all the intricate gracenote movements/embellishments and some simple tunes on the practice chanter will take some time. Do let me know how you get on + you can email me at scotspipers@hotmail.com if you have any questions etc.
Thanks piperbob2. I don't suppose it would be valid to try to learn it all online and buy a tutor book to complement it? I know quite a bit about grace notes on whistle such as cuts, rolls, and crans. Is it possible for someone to learn well without a private tutor? Thanks for the tips. I will be buying a practice chanter and hopefully get a full set eventually. I will let you know how it goes!
On the Highland pipes, we have multiple gracemotes - doublings, strikes, grips (leumluath) the taorluath, the shake (triplet) and more. Only a good tutor can teach these, and correct where you are going wrong. Find a pipe band near you that competes (as they will be better) and ask about tuition. If you learn without a good tutor, you will learn mistakes, and that will prove harder to correct. Good luck !
An impossible question for me to answer: I love playing both my acetyl set and my blackwood set (made for John D. Burgess - see video: th-cam.com/video/MJ0pDZ6oQkE/w-d-xo.html ). The drone sound from each is equally good. The blackwood set, being an iconic set, with its provenance and mounted in silver, is probably worth six times more than the other. If my home had a fire, I would save the blackwood set first, because it is irreplaceable; and I could always buy another acetyl set afterwards.
@@tiktokexclusive286 If you are going to play with a pipe band you will need a wooden set. They settle differently as you play them and if you are the only one with an acetyl set, your pipes are going to consistently sound different than everyone else’s. Why do the pipe bands choose wood then? Well… it’s a preference of tone.
Hello, I live in Kentucky and have just started a begginer piping class. Looking for a budget set of pipes to play once I have finished with my class. I am a Firefighter so I am certainly on a budget and no way could I afford 1,700$'s for a set of pipes. What would a set of these cost me? Thank You
See McCallum Bagpipes - Black Acetyl bagpipes brochure: www.mccallumbagpipes.com/home/digital-brochure/ McCallum Bagpipes are based in Kilmarnock in Scotland and, of course, they can ship to anywhere in the world. N.B. the mounts are, I understand, a nickel alloy - so they will not tarnish.
Hi Nobody - I have played outdoors in freezing conditions (winter funerals etc.) and at about 30º C when visiting Australia, and the pipes behaved perfectly. Ideally, you need a moisture control system to keep the drones and drone reeds dry from condensation (I use the V3 Drier System, which is great - drones and reeds never get wet, and you don't need to take the ceramic beads out to dry them.) You should also have a watertrap (e.g. the Moose valve/watertrap) in the blowpipe stock, to protect the pipe bag from saliva (my pipe bag is nearly 9 years old and still going strong !) Good Luck !
The price depends on the mounts and accessories that are fitted to the bagpipe: in the U.K. from about £500 for the basic black acetyl set (no mounts), to about £900 for the set at 3:58 which has machine-engraved nickel-ally mounts (with Shepherd pipe bag, Moose watertrap/valve etc)
The best makes in the U.K. are McCallum, R.G. Hardie, David Naill, Shepherd, and Wallace. If you go for the basic acetal set (all black with no mounts) it's around £500/ with mounts like the second set shown on the video, it's around £900. If you want the pipes made from the more traditional African Blackwood, you will have to pay more ! Don't buy off general internet websites - the market is flooded with cheap, poorly-made imitations from the east, that just won't work properly. But, please note, if you want to learn to play the pipes properly, you will need a good teacher, and you will need to start learning on a small practice chanter (you won't need a set of pipes, until you have mastered the basics). Without a teacher, you will only learn mistakes and bad habits !
What are you selling them for, Graeme ? I might have a student who would be interested in the near future. (Please email me [Bob] on scotspipers@hotmail.com) Please tell me about the set - make/type/size of bag, cords, drone reeds, length of blowpipe etc. Thanks !
Daniel Martin Depends on what you want on your pipes. I'm not familiar with the U.S. dollar-British pound conversion, so I'll give you the U.S. dollar. Bagpipes can range anywhere from $850.00-$18,000. All depends on what you want. Best advice I got was to buy the most expensive set you can afford......Even if you have to save up for them. I did exactly that and haven't regretted it since. Prior to buying bagpipes, get yourself a practice chanter and sheet music. You may know some of this already, but just in case you don't. hope it helps and good luck:)
Hi...My name is Samuel Aron, I am a Youth member from the Seventh Day Adventist in Papua New Guinea....Our Youth Group at the Church Level wish to Purchase a set of pipes. We are kindly requesting will there Quotation provided for our consideration and view. Thanks..
Ms. Auld (the "full-time mummy" from Rockingham, W.A.) - Every country in Europe (yes, England and Wales too !) have had bagpipes for hundreds, if not thousands, or years. Scottish Highland piping has been my greatest passion since I was a young child, and, yes, I am half English and half Welsh - but my heart is Scottish - so why shouldn't I play, teach and enthuse others about the music I love. Don't Scottish people play the italian piano and accordian ? Don't Scots play the Italian violin ? Don't Scots play the Spanish guitar ? Are they also disgusting ?
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 89 | คู่เอก "ยอดไอคิว vs คิริลล์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z3vYkHJ_5Ig/mqdefault.jpg)
I like these pipes, I think they sound really nice!
I play the McCallum acytel pipes and love them I live in west Tennessee where the heat and humidity are oppressive, and they are perfect they don't warp or crack like blackwood and the tonal quality is spot on I would recommend them to anyone
Pleased to hear that, Dennis. I also find that the V3 moisture control system compliments the pipes well - no condensation in the drone bores or reeds, and you don't need to remove it from the pipe bag - the thousands of ceramic beads inside the canister are self-drying !
Hi Claire, Thank you ! Yes, the first tune is a slow air called "The Dark Island". Good luck with the piping, and best wishes from Surrey in England !
The sound is great.
Sounds good, man. I would definitely consider buying me a set. Thanks for the video!
they were a joy to play too!
Yes, you are right (never come across Murray pipes, though). I had a great set of Dunbar delrin pipes myself, that I imported from Canada four years ago (didn't want to stop playing them !) and finally sold them to one of my pupils after I bought the McCallum set.
The mounts now used by McCallum, are made from a nickel alloy: the great thing is - they don't need cleaning at all, and don't go dull or tarnish: the mounts stay as shiny as new. Happy days !
The nice thing about that set is, you can send them back to McCallum for upgrades to the mounts. If you want to add metal slides or ferules or mounts in imitation ivory, they can do that for you.
Thanks WTZ: good to know - the team at McCallums are always helpful and obliging.
The first tune, starting at 2:43, is a version of "The Dark Island" (from the Scots Guards Book 2), but I now favour playing a 'B' instead of an 'A' for the 4th note.
You'll always get condensation on your drone reeds, whether you use an Acetyl/Poly set or an AB set: they both need moisture control. I've used the V3 Drier System (developed by Robert Mathieson) over the last 5 years, and that eliminates the problem entirely ! I use Mark Lee's "Rocket Reeds" in my own set, but will look at the Murray Henderson for my pupils' pipes - thanks !
Oh i don't play the bagpipes, was just looking at videos of them and learning more. I'm looking to become a music professor so i need to cram my self with knowledge! I play bass clarinet and Bb clarinet mainly... i aslo play bassoon. You're really good at what you do!
I play a McCallum P2 Poly Bagpipe. I use MG Plastic reeds in the drones and a Sheperd Medium Reed in the chanter, and it sounds just like any blackwood set.
that is actually a very good idea
Hello dear fellow piper. U used to play the Galician Bagpipe, but recently I bought a DELRIN bagpipe from BAGPIPE GALORE, Edimburgh.
I'll be very thankful knowing your opinion about this material.
Best wishes from Spain
Acetyl and Delrin are either the same, or very similar materials. I do not know Bagpipes Galore - no serious pipers or pipe bands play that make as far as I know. The best current bagpipe makers in the U.K. are McCallum, R.G. Hardie/Henderson, David Naill, Shepherd, Wallace, and Sinclair. In Canada/USA there is Dunbar, Gibson, Colin Kyo and Kron that I have heard good things about.
piperbob2 Thanks very much for your kind answer. The thing is I work almost every day over my Bagpipe, and I am very happy and even I am improving...I hope..hahaha....Thanks once more.
Absolutely ! Good luck with your piping !
@mrpiperman32 Thanks Jason. I've got to add - they work really well for me, and strike in perfectly very time, and never stop, even in cold, wet weather, thanks to the V3 moisture system I use inside the bag (a bit heavy, but you soon get used to that !)
Sounds good enough to me, i’m getting a set of smallpipes with this material
@kurt1698 There's nothing wrong with the bass drone: it's a protective sleeve made of leather, held together with velcro (a simple 'invention' of mine) to protect both the drone and my silver plaid brooch, preventing them from scratching each other, when I wear full highland dress uniform.
I purchased a set of P1 pipes from McCallum. My bagpipe teacher is setting them up right now. I am just going onto the pipes from the chanter. She is pretty excited on wanting to know how they will sound compared to ABW pipes.She has never heard the sound from Acetyl pipes . I bought these pipes after careful consideration and hours of sorting through the internet and they had good reviews, although some people were saying that Acetyl pipes are crap and they don't sound as good as ABW pipes and others saying that they can't tell the difference. It would be interesting to see what my bagpipe teachers comments will be. I will keep you informed piperbob.
Hello Daryn ! If your teacher sets up your new McCallum acetyl pipes with a good, compatible set of drone reeds, you will find that they sound as good as any ABW set (once they have been played long enough for the drone reeds to settle and hold their pitch). After all, a tube is a tube, whether it's made of acetyl or a close-grained hardwood: and grade 1 bands and top soloists have been playing acetyl (plastic/polypenco) chanters for years. Yes, do let me know what your teacher thinks of the sound (you can email me at scotspipers@hotmail.com if you like). I prefer Shepherd pipe bags to either Bannatyne or Canmore. Also, once you are playing your pipes for any length of time, you will benefit from using a MCS (moisture control system): I prefer the V3 Drier System, which I've been using for more than 10 years now, which keeps the inside bore of the drones and the drone reeds dry; and you don't need to take the canister out of the pipe bag, like you have to do with other makes. Also, make sure you have a water-trap (e.g a Moose Valve) fitted to the inside of the blowpipe stock: that will stop saliva from getting into the pipe bag, which would shorten its life. Good luck with your new pipes and enjoy playing them !!
I have the same basic PO model pipes. I prefer playing my AB1 blackwood pipes more, the plastic has a harder drone sound. I also don't like that the drone reed seats are oversized compared to my wood set. Also the tuning pin hemp retainers are smaller than my wood set. I like that the plastic is nearly indestructible and no oiling is required. They are very lightweight and easy to carry.
@GWRjim Hi Jim - Both sets are by McCallum Bagpipes: the plain black set is the P0 model that I usually order for my young pupils (I'm a trade customer with the company) and from 1:34 - 2:13 you can see the McCallum pipes that I play myself (acetyl with engraved nickel-alloy mounts).
@FingerTip777 Oh, that was the first measure of "The Royal Scots Polka" (a four-parted 2/4 in the key of D)
I never found the music for it, but learned it mainly by ear, over the years - it used to be popular with bands when I started playing (often played along with the "Black Watch Polka").
I think you are right: it's also called 'mpingo' in the local lingo. I have read that woodwind players find that hard rubber gives a better sound than grenadilla, so the use of acetyl may well be the way forward !
@StrathendrickPiper (contd) and I have a V3 moisture control system, by Robert Mathieson, which is so effective that I wouldn't be without it - drone reeds don't get wet and never stop like they used to after a couple of hours playing.
Actually the 'F' was sounding sharp ! - I had made the reed easier to play for my young student, by carefully scraping the blades; but I am used to a stronger reed, and was, no doubt, blowing too hard. Easily rectified !
I’m glad you mentioned this😂. Good video otherwise. I am considering these or carbon fiber for my second pair of beater/ all weather pipes
@StrathendrickPiper The plain acetyl pipes worked out at about £500 in total (including £123 for a Shepherd Hide Regulator Bag, and £40 for a Universal Blowpipe - the MG drone reeds, silk cords and a bag cover all came from McCallums along with the stocks and drones). The engraved nickel-alloy mounted set (the mounts are 'staybright' and won't tarnish) comes in at about £800 I think. I personally use a set of old rocket reeds2 that were made for me by Mark Lee in the U.S.
Thanks, Jim !
N.B. The chanter was set up for an 11-year old beginner, so the reed is quite easy and therefore a little on the high-pitched side.
@kyle burns i have the polys p0 model i suggest the Murray Henderson drone reeds and a g1 platinum or ross chanter reeds
Sorry for late reply. Yes, just contact McCallums, and ask if they will make an Acetyl set with fully engraved nickel alloy mounts (as per their AB Engraved Full Alloy African Blackwood set).
Thanks Alberto !
Thank you. Them Acytle pipes sound incredible. I am really keen to get a set.
May I ask "What was the tune you played on the basic set first?" I would like to learn that one. I have a nice Mc cullems chanter with a quality reed.
Finally, what are the eezidrones like? Are they better than the MG? I'm a complete beginner although can play a few tunes on the chanter.
Thanks 😊
Hi Malcolm, I'm glad you like the sound of acetyl pipes. The first tune is called "The Dark Island". I found the Eezidrone reeds fine, if they gave no trouble, but very sensitive to alteration (e.g. moving the bridal to alter the length of reed's tongue). I would prefer the MG carbon tongue reeds or Kinnaird ones (the tongues are full length and easier to alter). Have you also seen this clip of mine: th-cam.com/video/20s0_aMACw8/w-d-xo.html
- longer tongues, easier to control.
@@piperbob2 Thank you, I'm after the best sounding plug and play style. My knowledge of pipes and reeds is very limited as this will be my first set. Thanks
@@malachitobias8880 I hope you have a good teacher - really important with an instrument that is so complex to learn to play properly !
@@piperbob2 Sadly, in England, there are very few good teachers. But I completely agree with your comment, I shall just have to do the best I can in the interim. Thanks
@@malachitobias8880 I'm in England too, and teach piping all over Surrey, London, Kent and one pupil as far away as Berkshire !
Thanks!
Hey Bob, nice work ! Also own McCallum P0, great stuff ! I'm French and I'm passionate with bagpipes, so could you tell me please the title of the 1st song you perform in this video ? Thanks a lot, greetings. Jo.
Hello piperbob2 i have the p0 model of pipes great set i notice you use mg drone reeds i suggest you try the Murray Henderson drone reeds the mg reeds sound a bit raspy it the polys i will be selling my set of polys by the end of this year for a AB2D McCallum pipes they are a blackwood set i will get these because of the moisture problem i recommend the blackwood set because what i spent on moisture control it would be easier to get a blackwood set but try the Murray Henderson reeds
I had to read this multiple times due to the lack of periods and commas.
The basic, all black acetyl set (sticks & stocks from McCallum, with Shepherd Hide Regulator Bag, and Universal Blowpipe) works out now at just over £500.
@GWRjim Good luck piping in the haggis today !!
It's probably just the different chanter reeds and their position in their respective reed seats that caused any difference in pitch. Also, the P0 model's chanter reed had been scraped, to be easy enough to suit a beginner.
@1990DomDom I'll see what I can do, the next time someone orders a set of pipes through me
nice video, congrats : )
can u make a video of how to set up a bag pipe from start to finish
rather nice pipes bob what make are they? my david nail ones are hard to tune have to pipe in the haggis on saturday
Maybe the chanter reed is incompatible with the chanter, or the F hole might need tape across the top if it sounds sharp ?
I’m considering getting a set of McCallum or Dunbar for my second set of pipes. I love my Blackwood Pipes but the heat and humidity here in Arkansas give them problems playing outdoors in summer. The wood swells and hemp joints become loose,and I dare not add hemp because they would probably crack when I bring them inside the air conditioned indoors. Obviously composite sets shouldn’t have those issues other than the reeds going out of tune. Are water traps ,moisture control systems and zipper bags more essential for plastic pipes since all the moisture will go straight towards your reeds ?
A good idea ! I haven't played my Blackwood set for the last 10 years or so. Tried out a basic poly Dunbar set for two years and loved the sound I was getting, and then passed it on to one of my students when I bought my McCallum Acetyl set (see from 3:58 onwards in the video). A Moose valve/watertrap in the blowpipe stock will stop saliva getting into the pipe bag (thus increasing its longevity), and a V3 Drier System (now from www.g1reeds.com in Scotland) which will keep your drone reeds dry; the great thing about the V3 is that you don't need to remove the canister from the pipe bag to dry the ceramic beads, and the tubes to the drone stocks each have a valve, so a good strike-in and cut-off every time. Do let me know what you get, and how you get on with it all. (my email is: scotspipers@hotmail.com)
piperbob2
A friend gave me a set of McCallum Folk Pipes,plastic I guess Acetyl bagpipes. He gave up and didn’t want to throw them away and thought I might try them. They play and they seem like brand new condition but they are may 7 or 8 years old. They play but I noticed the chanter was a lot quieter than the drones and I discovered the chanter reed was cracked. Hopefully I can find a chanter reed for them. The drone reeds seem perfect condition EZ Drone Reeds. I can’t complain about a free instrument. I hate to see any musical instrument thrown away. Do you know much about folk pipes. They look like miniature highland pipes.
I don't know anything about Folk Pipes, I'm afraid, or any smallpipes for that matter - only Highland pipes. What is the chanter reed like (plastic or cane / what shape is it - long and thin like a practice chanter reed, or shorter and wider like a pipe chanter reed ? Best idea is to go to the McCallum website and go through their on-line brochures to see if you can find what the instrument is called exactly, and then email the company (info@mccallumbagpipes.com) to ask about spare chanter reeds for it. Are the EZ drone reeds full-size ? They could be too loud if they are Highland pipe-size (?)
piperbob2
The chanter seems to be the same length as the highland pipes and seem to be the same fingering but thin like a long practice chanter. But the reed seems larger but with a lower buzzy pitch, I found a few videos that sound the same just louder without the cracked reed. The drone reeds look like tiny miniature versions of the highland pipe drone reeds. Not sure what key they’re in. Their website calls them Folk Pipes but only shows a picture of the Blackwood version but says available in plastic too,they look just like a miniature version of the basic acetyl highland pipes in this video. I think I’ve seen other companies calling them parlor pipes. It has a zipper bag a moisture control system with it the guy never put it ,looks like they connect to the stocks inside the bag. They rattle with i guess moisture control granules inside. Seen a few videos of some of the guys from McCallum playing them saying they’ve a great indoor instrument than can be played with a guitar and other instruments. I hope I can learn them.
Yes, try emailing McCallums and ask about the folk chanter reeds. Good luck with playing them !
Hi, very impressive. You played a tune at the very end which I used to play some years ago but have forgotten the name of. Can you help please, Thank you, Mervyn
Hello Mervyn, Thank you ! Yes, the tune is "The Royal Scots Polka". I would often hear it played by pipe bands on the Scottish radio programme 'Chanter' (now 'Pipeline') together with "The Black Watch Polka".
Thank you Sir. I've always wanted to know. I bought a cheap set of pipes to play on my own, now that I am not in a band. But alas they are not very good. Is there any way that I could work with them to bring them up to scratch or is it a case of fighting a losing battle? Thank you for your valued opinion, Mervyn piperbob2
MrArtisticsound You're welcome ! Is the inside bore of the drones etc. fairly smooth, and the wood a dense, close-grained hardwood ? If so, your pipes could be perfectly fine. If, however, the inside bore is rough, and the wood is not really dense, then the pipes could be an imported set from the east, and only good for hanging on the wall. In that case, I would suggest looking up McCallum Bagpipes and check out their range of Acetyl pipes !
How much and where can you buy
McCallum Bagpipes (www.mccallumbagpipes.com) make Acetyl sets of pipes: there was a price increase of 5% on 01/10/2024, so I can't be sure of prices - it depends on what model you choose. Acetyl will be much less expensive than African Blackwood and there no chance of cracking or warping in the future.
It's only my engraved nickel-alloy Acetyl pipes that are about 1/4 of the price of a silver-mounted African Blackwood set. Otherwise an Acetyl set is about 70% of the cost of an AB set. The plain Acetyl set works out at about £500 (UK Pounds), and my set of engraved nickel-alloy Acetyl set (with the V3 Drier and MacMillan watertrap/valve) cost about £1,000 (UK Pounds) in all.
piperbob2 can you ship to the USA?
i have alot of pipes including dunbar p1s which are delrin but they sound great dont be afraid to buy these pipes just stay away from murray bagpipes and pakistani made pipes
how much did this cost you in total?
Hi i'm an italian neopiper and i've just ordered a new set of P1 from McCallum now i'm wondering which set of reeds i should put in it to have a good sound .
Any information would be very appreciated
You will be very pleased with your new set, when it arrives. Any good make of drone reeds will work fine (they may need adjusting to suit the strength of your chanter reed). If you are playing for any considerable length of time, you will need a MCS (moisture control system) to keep the drone reeds dry. I am very happy with the V3 drier System (which you can buy from www.thekiltcentre.com).
Good luck !
piperbob2 Thank you for your helpful answer , i will surely do ;).
Greetings From italy
I have a question if you don't mind. I just got the same. 15 years ago I was on Dunbars. I was considering going to a BW chanter. What is your opinion?
Sure, John ! Yes, my first poly pipes (sticks & stocks), I imported to the U.K. from Dunbar, and fitted a Shepherd bag, and my own McCallum chanter and blowpipe: I really liked the sound I got from the drones. A good make of African Blackwood chanter would be good, but you would really have to look after it carefully (it's brittle, unlike polypenco/acetyl); so, when you put it in the stock, and when you remove it, DON'T hold or twist the chanter at the bottom (it could crack) - handle it by the semi-sphere at the top ! After a few years of playing an AB chanter, you'll find the holes will smooth out, and be more comfortable to play. Hope that helps. Bob
I'm new to looking at buying some bagpipes ... where do I start .. ie lengths of mouth piece and so on ... any help much appreciated
You would best check with your teacher (if you are trying to self-learn, it's really not a good idea, even if you have a tutor book: you will make mistakes and get into bad habits that a book will not be able to correct.) Hopefully, you will have a teacher, who will allow you to hold his pipes, inflate the bag and see if his blowpipe/mouthpiece length is correct for you. If you are bending your neck forwards to reach the mouthpiece, then you would need a longer one etc. You could visit your nearest pipe band for advice and help, or visit your nearest pipe maker, depending on what country you live in (Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, USA, Canada - all have reputable pipe makers.) If you like, send me an email (scotspipers@hotmail.com ....... I live in Surrey, U.K.) and we can keep in touch. Please don't even consider buying on-line: the market is flooded with cheap, badly made imitations, imported from the east, that just don't work !
How often do you need to tune
whats up with the bottom acetyl section on the bass drone on your nickel mounted set
How much were these and what was that tune you played....9 years later
The basic set would be about £500 UK ($690 US) now. The first tune is the slow air "The Dark Island" and the tune at the end is "The Royal Scots Polka".
@@piperbob2 thank you! Which site do you recommend to buy off of?
@@user-mz5tf5pm7u Well you can't go wrong with McCallums: but R.G. Hardie, David Naill & Co., Dunbar (Canada) are all highly thought of too.
@@piperbob2 you should post more songs lol
I live in canada could someone make a list of the components of the pipes in the video and where to find them
Dunbar Bagpipes, based in St. Catharines, make pipes like these (they called the material polypenco - same thing as acetyl). My first set like this, was from Dunbar Bagpipes - I imported what we call the "sticks and stocks" into the UK, added a pipe bag, blowpipe and chanter, and was enchanted with the sound I get - I just didn't want to stop playing. So here you will see the 5 stocks (for bass drone, 2 tenor drones, blowpipe and chanter). The bass drone has 3 sections -lower, middle and top; the 2 tenor drones have 2 sections each - lower and top (there are one bass drone reed and two tenor drone reeds). The drones are held together with a set of silk or woollen drone cords. There is the blowpipe with mouthpiece attached and the pipe chanter (with pipe chanter reed inside). Accessories recommended - a Moose valve/watertrap (fitted in the blowpipe stock, it will prolong the life of the pipe bag), and eventually (when you are playing for long periods) I recommend the V3 Drying System from The Kilt Centre in Hamilton, Scotland. (Very good - you don't need to remove the canister to dry it ! Magic !) P.S. You can always email me (Bob Ash) - scotspipers@hotmail.com
Where did you buy this?
I bought this set from McCallum Bagpipes (and the pipe bag from Shepherd Bagpipes) www.mccallumbagpipes.com The plain black Acetyl set was for one of my students, and the set you can see from 3:57 onwards, is my own set of Acetyl pipes, also from McCallums, with engraved alloy mounts.
No difference in sound: but visually, you only know it's Acetyl when you get up really close and notice that it has no imperfections, no grain, and is perfectly black and smooth.
what do you use to clean the nickel on your drones I have a set of Henderson PH3s and the silver on them need a bit of a clean
Hi,
I am an American Irish whistle player that wants to learn the bagpipes as well. I've invested a lot of time learning the Irish whistle but I really want to learn the bagpipes. What would you recommend starting out with? I'm not willing to pay a whole lot for them at the moment. Maybe $200.
Thanks
Interesting... Thanks Wave Station!
Any recommendations on working towards being able to play them when I do have enough money?
The first thing you need to do is to find a piping teacher/pipe band/piping society near you (the Highland pipes are reckoned to be the most difficult instrument to learn, so you WILL need a teacher).
Do NOT buy a set of pipes without expert guidance (and never from general selling websites or music shops, as the market is flooded with cheap rubbish from the far east). You will need a practice chanter to learn on, and your teacher will probably recommend a tutor book that gives structured lessons, such as the one the National Piping Centre or the College of Piping (both in Glasgow, Scotland).
In the USA, I know of Henderson's in Traverse City, MI who supply bagpipes and accessories from Scottish makers, and US and Canadian companies. (see www.hendersongroupltd.com).
You won't need a set of pipes for a year or two, as learning all the intricate gracenote movements/embellishments and some simple tunes on the practice chanter will take some time. Do let me know how you get on + you can email me at scotspipers@hotmail.com if you have any questions etc.
Thanks piperbob2. I don't suppose it would be valid to try to learn it all online and buy a tutor book to complement it? I know quite a bit about grace notes on whistle such as cuts, rolls, and crans. Is it possible for someone to learn well without a private tutor?
Thanks for the tips. I will be buying a practice chanter and hopefully get a full set eventually. I will let you know how it goes!
I agree, those look like they will do the trick for a beginner. Not too expensive and sound quite nice as well.
On the Highland pipes, we have multiple gracemotes - doublings, strikes, grips (leumluath) the taorluath, the shake (triplet) and more. Only a good tutor can teach these, and correct where you are going wrong. Find a pipe band near you that competes (as they will be better) and ask about tuition. If you learn without a good tutor, you will learn mistakes, and that will prove harder to correct. Good luck !
Hey piperbob2 you said Acetyl pipes are only about 1/4-1/2 the cost of regular pipes but about how much does that generally come out to?
What Drone reeds and Chanter Reeds would you recommend for McCallum P3 bagpipes?
So do you prefer acetyl over blackwood if you had choose one or the other?
An impossible question for me to answer: I love playing both my acetyl set and my blackwood set (made for John D. Burgess - see video: th-cam.com/video/MJ0pDZ6oQkE/w-d-xo.html ). The drone sound from each is equally good. The blackwood set, being an iconic set, with its provenance and mounted in silver, is probably worth six times more than the other. If my home had a fire, I would save the blackwood set first, because it is irreplaceable; and I could always buy another acetyl set afterwards.
@@piperbob2 If acetyl is stronger, cheaper and sounds just as good as blackwood, why would anyone ever get a blackwood set?
@@tiktokexclusive286 If you are going to play with a pipe band you will need a wooden set. They settle differently as you play them and if you are the only one with an acetyl set, your pipes are going to consistently sound different than everyone else’s. Why do the pipe bands choose wood then? Well… it’s a preference of tone.
Hello, I live in Kentucky and have just started a begginer piping class. Looking for a budget set of pipes to play once I have finished with my class. I am a Firefighter so I am certainly on a budget and no way could I afford 1,700$'s for a set of pipes. What would a set of these cost me? Thank You
May I ask where to get the nickel plated sets?
See McCallum Bagpipes - Black Acetyl bagpipes brochure: www.mccallumbagpipes.com/home/digital-brochure/
McCallum Bagpipes are based in Kilmarnock in Scotland and, of course, they can ship to anywhere in the world.
N.B. the mounts are, I understand, a nickel alloy - so they will not tarnish.
What was the second song he played???
How do they handle extremes in heat and cold?
Hi Nobody - I have played outdoors in freezing conditions (winter funerals etc.) and at about 30º C when visiting Australia, and the pipes behaved perfectly. Ideally, you need a moisture control system to keep the drones and drone reeds dry from condensation (I use the V3 Drier System, which is great - drones and reeds never get wet, and you don't need to take the ceramic beads out to dry them.) You should also have a watertrap (e.g. the Moose valve/watertrap) in the blowpipe stock, to protect the pipe bag from saliva (my pipe bag is nearly 9 years old and still going strong !) Good Luck !
isn't african black wood the same as grenadilla wood? just a different name
how much is this set?
How much price pagpip
The price depends on the mounts and accessories that are fitted to the bagpipe: in the U.K. from about £500 for the basic black acetyl set (no mounts), to about £900 for the set at 3:58 which has machine-engraved nickel-ally mounts (with Shepherd pipe bag, Moose watertrap/valve etc)
Where do I get a set how much for one too?
The best makes in the U.K. are McCallum, R.G. Hardie, David Naill, Shepherd, and Wallace. If you go for the basic acetal set (all black with no mounts) it's around £500/ with mounts like the second set shown on the video, it's around £900. If you want the pipes made from the more traditional African Blackwood, you will have to pay more ! Don't buy off general internet websites - the market is flooded with cheap, poorly-made imitations from the east, that just won't work properly. But, please note, if you want to learn to play the pipes properly, you will need a good teacher, and you will need to start learning on a small practice chanter (you won't need a set of pipes, until you have mastered the basics). Without a teacher, you will only learn mistakes and bad habits !
@@piperbob2
Wow £500 for a new set of pipes that sound that good is a bargain!
F flat d sharp
How can I reach you directly
Hi John, you can email me - scotspipers@hotmail.com. (I live in Surrey in the U.K.)
Got a set of these for sale as it happens
What are you selling them for, Graeme ? I might have a student who would be interested in the near future. (Please email me [Bob] on scotspipers@hotmail.com) Please tell me about the set - make/type/size of bag, cords, drone reeds, length of blowpipe etc. Thanks !
how much is a set of pipes
From 100 - 5.000 £
where can you buy them?
www.mccallumbagpipes.com
La Descarada Wallace bagpipes in Glasgow do top quality bagpipes
Daniel Martin Depends on what you want on your pipes. I'm not familiar with the U.S. dollar-British pound conversion, so I'll give you the U.S. dollar. Bagpipes can range anywhere from $850.00-$18,000. All depends on what you want. Best advice I got was to buy the most expensive set you can afford......Even if you have to save up for them. I did exactly that and haven't regretted it since. Prior to buying bagpipes, get yourself a practice chanter and sheet music. You may know some of this already, but just in case you don't. hope it helps and good luck:)
God the f on the first chanter was flat.
Hi...My name is Samuel Aron, I am a Youth member from the Seventh Day Adventist in Papua New Guinea....Our Youth Group at the Church Level wish to Purchase a set of pipes. We are kindly requesting will there Quotation provided for our consideration and view.
Thanks..
Your playing a low a instead of a b!😁
Yes, back in 2011, I WAS playing an 'A' for the fourth note, but, as I said below, I NOW favour a 'B' ! Which do you prefer, Ruaraidh ?
Reply sent by private message.
No my friend, it was dreadfully flat.
African black wood is a lot better
But how is it better ? Acetyl is stronger - so won't crack or warp; acetyl is smoother than any wood, so gives a perfect sound.
How disgusting!!!!! An Englishman trying to sell Bagpipes😠😠😠😠
Ms. Auld (the "full-time mummy" from Rockingham, W.A.) - Every country in Europe (yes, England and Wales too !) have had bagpipes for hundreds, if not thousands, or years. Scottish Highland piping has been my greatest passion since I was a young child, and, yes, I am half English and half Welsh - but my heart is Scottish - so why shouldn't I play, teach and enthuse others about the music I love. Don't Scottish people play the italian piano and accordian ? Don't Scots play the Italian violin ? Don't Scots play the Spanish guitar ? Are they also disgusting ?
And one of my students had the surname AULD - and his parents didn't complain !
Still no response from Allson Auld - anyone else would have apologised by now.