Learning uilleann pipes

Subject: Learning uilleann pipes
From: GUEST,A regular but a tad shy
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 02:32 AM

I know there are a number of pipers on the cat and I would like some advice.

I want to try to learn to play the uilleann pipes but I dont want to splash out just yet on an expensive set which might end up in the bargain basement here.

Any experience with those practice sets at about $250-350 as shown on the Lark In The Morning website?

Are they any good as a starter kit?

As there are no tutors around here I am going to have to transfer what I know of tin whistle playing to the pipes. Any good tuition books?

Or should I go back to just scaring the cats with the tin whistle?

Subject: RE: Learning uilleann pipes
From: GUEST,Paul Burke
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 04:12 AM

Spend the money and get a good set- bag and chanter will do. If you don't take to them, they'll retain their value. There's nothing worse than struggling to get good music out of an instrument that couldn't make it for an expert.

When the Manchester pipers' group started, at the first workshop there were about 30 tyro pipers, some had been 'beginners' for 7 or 8 years. With a reed maker in attendance, over half of these left with the knowledge that their problem had been just a bad reed. Some of the remainder left knowing that their pipes were better off hung on the wall for decoration.

Oh, and get a good teacher too.

Subject: RE: Learning uilleann pipes
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 06:04 AM

Paul
Good response
Where is the nearest such group in the North/Yorkshire if at all?

Subject: RE: Learning uilleann pipes
From: GUEST,Paul Burke
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 06:50 AM

Subject: RE: Learning uilleann pipes
From: GUEST,Paul Burke
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 06:52 AM

Wrong button again.

This is from Becky taylor's page:
Becky Taylor

Looks like you've just missed this month's!

"Wed 20th April 2005 :
North West Uilleann Pipers Meeting. St.Catherine's Social Club, School Lane, Didsbury, Manchester, starting at 7.30pm.

General piping chat, tunes and teaching available. The cost is £2 to attend and an extra £1 if you have a lesson.
Fri 29th April 2005 :
Private Function
Fri 20th May 2005 :
Informal session at the infamous Puzzle Hall Inn, Sowerby Bridge 8.30pm

Come and join Becky on the 3rd Friday of the month at the infamous Puzzle Hall Inn, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire for their recently started Irish Music session. The next session is on Friday 20th May

Puzzle Hall Inn, Sowerby Bridge"

Subject: RE: Learning uilleann pipes
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 06:55 AM

Like any other instrument, try to find a player to check the instrument before you part with cash.

Subject: RE: Learning uilleann pipes
From: GUEST,eoin o'buadhaigh
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 07:17 AM

Try the 'na Piobairi Uilleann' web site as you can buy a tutor video on uilleann pipes which I hear is very good.
At times they have second hand sets for sale or can put you in touch with someone who has. The only advice I can safely give is don't buy a set (cheap or other wise)that you haven't had checked out by someone who knows what they are looking for. It will only bring heartache, it will also put you off the instrument if you get a bad set and beleive me there are more bad sets kicking about than good ones.
Good luck.
          eoin

Subject: RE: Learning uilleann pipes
From: Big Mick
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 07:09 PM

The Na Piobairi Uilleann organization is wonderful, and I would heartily recommend you get their video tutorial. It is a wonderful device for self teaching. Get on the Uilleann pipe mailing list [[e-mail]] as there are many there that can share info with you.

You have several attractive ways to start. First, get only a practice set. This consists of a bag, bellows and drone. David Daye makes one called the Penny Chanter which is made out of PVC and is generally very highly thought of. He provides a reed and guarantees it, and will work with you to keep it right.

The second way is to follow Paul Burke's advice and just go out and get a practice set from a reputable maker. You will pay more but it will not lose value, and resale is fairly easy in the Ebay age. The other advantage to this method is that you can add drones and regulators at a later date to complete the set.

I think that the best way is the David Daye Penny Chanter, as the initial cost is very attractive. I have played them and found them to be surprisingly good, and a fine starter for the beginner.

You will hate the fact that you love this instrument so. LOL.

Mick