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23 Nov 04 - 10:39 AM (#1336489) Subject: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,Pete I have for many years both loved the sound of Northumbrian pipes, and coveted a set. Being based in the South West of England, I've never seen a set, nor do I have the cash to purchase a new set. Are there second hand sets out there? And can anyone recommend a tutor, book or living person! Many thanks PETE |
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23 Nov 04 - 11:06 AM (#1336521) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,Peter Sumner Greetings Pete... I have a Dave Burleigh set (one of the finest makers) that I no longer use.... In great playing shape...it's a 7 key chanter (I think)...four drones...the business... If you find out the cost of a new set we can discuss a fair price if you're interested... I know this forum is not meant to be used for selling..so we could do this via Email... I fell in love with the pipes when I first heard Colin Ross play,circa 1969....and the recordings of Billy Pigg blew me away... I lived in Lincolnshire back then...John Addison, another fine maker, was a friend....he passed away a few years ago after a long illness... Good luck Pete Sumner California |
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23 Nov 04 - 11:36 AM (#1336557) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Paco Rabanne Pete, stick this into a search engine - 'Northumbrian pipers society' All will be revealed! I have sent an email to a chap who I know is selling a set, but I don't know how he can contact you, as you are a GUEST. |
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23 Nov 04 - 12:30 PM (#1336616) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: John Routledge David Burleigh has a web site which gives new prices for all sorts of combinations. Link from Piper's Soc. site I think. |
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23 Nov 04 - 01:46 PM (#1336674) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Little Robyn Depending on age, condition and maker, a second-hand set of smallpipes could cost anything from 400 - 800 pounds. There are a few members of the NSP Soc in the West country, if you make enquiries. And if you join the Soc it's possible to hire a set to learn on and if you really get into it, they'll help you find a set of your own. You could try contacting Tom Swinney - pipehire@northumbrianpipers.org.uk Good luck, Robyn (New Zealand's first female Northumbrian piper) |
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23 Nov 04 - 03:55 PM (#1336774) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Lady Nancy I have a set for sale. A sensible price to a good home... Contact me. I am a highland piper, so the fingering for the Northumbrians is alien to me and really confuses the old grey matter! LN |
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24 Nov 04 - 01:32 AM (#1337304) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Little Robyn Lady Nancy who made your pipes? How many keys? What sort of condition is the bag in, and the reeds? Cheers, Robyn |
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24 Nov 04 - 09:49 AM (#1337603) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: shepherdlass Hi Pete If you can't get a hire set, you should check out Dave Shaw's website too (www.daveshaw.co.uk). But don't be horrified by the cost of a full set - he's also been working on making basic sets for beginners which will be cheap, basic and good to get started on. I'm another beginner piper, hampered by lack of time and have so far only borrowed sets of pipes but still have caught the bug. Lady Nancy - how much are you charging for your set? |
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24 Nov 04 - 11:52 AM (#1337762) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,Daisy Hi Pete, welcome to the fold! Join the NPS (a measley £10, well worth it) and they'll send you a mag with lots of sets for sale in the back. Useful links: http://www.northumbrianpipers.org.uk/ http://www.nspipes.co.uk/ Makers' sites: http://www.nspipes.co.uk/nsp/ww5make.htm http://www.evansweb.co.uk/ http://www.burleighsmallpipes.com |
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24 Nov 04 - 01:55 PM (#1337894) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: TheBigPinkLad Or you could go to the links page on Mudcat ... ;o) |
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25 Nov 04 - 04:18 PM (#1339094) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Gedpipes Before you even think about purchasing set talk to a piper near you. Daisy and Little Robyn's advice is sound. Just for your information. Very advance warning of the 5th Beverley Northumbrian pipers weekend. Its on 1st and 2nd April 2005. More details in about February time. Anyone interested contact me off list and I'll send you details. Cheers Ged NSP 'A path - of sorts' |
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26 Nov 04 - 07:29 PM (#1340116) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Little Robyn Any news? |
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27 Nov 04 - 09:31 AM (#1340428) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST A definition of a gentleman - a man who knows how to play the northumbrian pipes bus doesn't? I do love the sound of them in the right place but a little goes a long way as they can drown everything else. |
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27 Nov 04 - 12:23 PM (#1340528) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: John Routledge Guest 9.31am Utter nonsense. Anyone who has actually heard nsp played in a session will know why :0) |
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27 Nov 04 - 03:03 PM (#1340621) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Lady Nancy Only problem with them in a "general" session is that they are in funny keys for the fiddle/melodian players! They are definitely NOT loud and intrusive. Methinks Guest mixes them up with the great Highland bagpipe! |
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27 Nov 04 - 04:29 PM (#1340696) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Little Robyn During the 2001 Millenium Piper's Tour Down Under, we had 16 pipers on stage at once and even then, no-one's ears were assaulted, no-one was deafened! In fact, I don't think anyone heard my pipes at all, except the girl standing in front of me! We even had a few microphones out in front but Colin Ross was standing behind one of them so the loudest piping heard by anyone was the best! Robyn |
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27 Nov 04 - 05:41 PM (#1340743) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: John Routledge Valid point Lady Nancy The traditional pitch of 20 cents sharp of F makes it impossible to play with non-tuneable instruments. Chanters in Concert G pitch are available and are therfore friendly in a general session.There is however a penalty of loss of some of the richness in tone which many pipers are unwilling to accept.:0) |
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28 Nov 04 - 10:30 AM (#1341127) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Guy Wolff Thanks for all the information here and to pete for starting the thread . I had a set from David Quinn in Massachusetts in the 1970's and loved them . Lots to think about at all the above websites!! Richard Evens has been very helpful as well by email . Do the NSP sets in D have a larger chanter or smaler than the F/G chanter. . Hard to tell from the photos ??? I think D would be fun to have with fiddle and living so far away from the sociaty I doubt I could find others to play with . I did see there is a gathering in Vermont this summer. But after years on a wooden penny whistle I think a slightly larger chanter would help . If I just went to make pottery at Bardon Mill (Errington Reagh Pottery )I would be all set !!! . One of the brothers who ran that shop was in the sociaty and was very nice to this American potter . GIve him my regards . It was 1974 so I cant remember his name . Sorry . All the best . Guy Wolff |
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28 Nov 04 - 11:31 AM (#1341151) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: John Routledge Guy - The D chanter is quite a bit larger than F/G chanter and with bigger hole spacings.If you have small hands like me it is almost impossible to play :0( Recommend trying before buying. 8 Pints has a D set and I could measure it if that would help.:0) |
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28 Nov 04 - 07:02 PM (#1341477) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Guy Wolff Thanks John , Yes please on the measurment s in fact measure the F/G set as well for clarification.. What would you say the % of F/G sets to D sets was. ?? Say 10 to 1 ??? If you didnt have to think about money who would you have make a set ?? Hard question and dont feel bad about not answering if its going to hurt anyones feelings !! . All the best , guy |
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28 Nov 04 - 07:56 PM (#1341519) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: John Routledge My last post is misleading and should read "The D chanter is quite a bit larger than an F+(traditional pitch) chanter which in turn is larger than a concert G pitch chanter (a fairly modern creation for playing with non tuneable instruments)" The ratio of D:F+ would be (guesstimate:0)) 1:50 with slightly more G's than D's. As you can see D's are not at all common. Might take a week to get a hold of 8Pints but will let you have measurements as soon as I can. Will PM you re makers. I am confused myself however and can't make up my mind as I have an 11 key David Burleigh F+ chanter which I really enjoy playing; a 7 key Colin Ross G chanter; Richard Evans bellows made from Cumbrian Cherry which I love.!! :0) There is a price difference of around 400% in the makers prices (as a general guide.) |
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29 Nov 04 - 08:50 AM (#1341947) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: 8_Pints Hi all, My F+ chanter is 14cm in length, whilst my concert D chanter is 17cm in length. Concert D is 293.6 Hz Whilst F+ drones are 353.3 Hz (F), 529.3 Hz (C') & 706.6 Hz (F'). Music is generally written for the F+ set as though in G major. Because there are very few accidentals (C# & D#) the 7 keyed instrument is not chromatic and is restrictive when it comes to session playing. Nevertheless it does sound brilliant when accompanied by the cello, fiddle or flute/whistle. I hope this doesn't put you off! Bob vG |
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29 Nov 04 - 02:07 PM (#1342296) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Gedpipes John, whats the difference between Cumbrian Cherry and Northumbrian Cherry? ;-) The discussions about size are potentially misleading. The key issue is how comfortable do you feel with the spacing between the holes. Larger hands may have difficulty with the spacing but some pipe makers are willing to try and get around this problem. One method is to notch the holes, but this apparently does not meet with universal approval. I'm not sure what Bob vG means by restrictive. Given that most session tunes are in either G, D or A, I think it is the ability of the piper which is the restiction - not the pipes themselves. I speak as a very restricted piper by the way. How many pipers use D# on a regular basis? Apologies for the d entendre Cheers G |
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29 Nov 04 - 02:29 PM (#1342312) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Anita Evans Hi All, A couple of points arising from the discussion: There's a tutor book with good adivice on buying. It's written by a guy called John Liestman, who lives in Texas, and is based around the idea that a player might not be anywhere near other players. You can get it from the Morpeth Chantry bagpipe museum, they take phone orders. Mention the author's name, it's not the only tutor. D Chanter: the hole spacing is roughly the same as a D whistle. The biggest issue is the fact that it transposes everything- a tune written in D will emerge in A, a tune written in G will play in D, and so on. The D chanter is also quieter and (of course)lower pitched than the F or G and will easily be drowned out in a session. The best session instrument is the concert G chanter. I like my F plus 20 cents chanter precisely because it's melodeon-proof, but that's rather selfish. I sometimes play with a C/F melodeon player, and to do so I have to put a flatter reed in the pipes, which is a real pain. I've offered to tune his box up, but for some reason he's less than enthusiastic. Cheers Richard |
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29 Nov 04 - 02:29 PM (#1342313) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: John Routledge Thanks Bob. Ged. Richard Evans lives in Cumbria :0) Guessing, I doubt if more than a handful of people play D pipes on a regular basis. Happy Piping everybody. |
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29 Nov 04 - 04:35 PM (#1342399) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Guy Wolff THis is a very usful thread. All of the above imformation is very Helpful !!!! I trhink I am leaning twards the G/F set for the volume essue but I do love the idea of the D set . I hope everyone has gone to look at Richar'd pipes on his site. They are quite inspiring as are his wifes pictures of the lakes . I hope she puts a picture of Castlerigg on there some time . If there ever was a place for exstra terestials to land on earth it would be that stone circle .. Sorry thread slide . Again thanks Pete for a great thread . Warm regards to all here .Guy |
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29 Nov 04 - 05:48 PM (#1342479) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: 8_Pints Hi Gedpipes, I'd like to clarify what I said. If session musicians are playing in G, I would need to nominally transpose to A. As I have no G# key I would be restricted in the choice of other notes available for me to harmonise with. BTW I agree that the span between holes, particularly at the bottom range of the D chanter is the other issue. If you have broad hand range then you should be fairly comfortable. Colin Ross's advice was to lay the flat of the fingers across the chanter holes rather than the finger-tips if this problem arises. Bob vG |
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29 Nov 04 - 06:08 PM (#1342495) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: John Routledge Can I reiterate Richard Evans point about John Leistman's Tutor. It really does cover everything you need to know and even tough I am not remote from other pipers I have found it invaluable. |
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30 Nov 04 - 01:26 PM (#1343429) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,Pete Having just returned from several days away, I am blown away by all the fantastic help and advice. What a great bunch Northumbrian pipers are! I am about to peruse the websites suggested, and also contact Geordie aunts, uncles, cousins etc, who knows, perhaps one of them has a set in the attic! I'm very taken with the idea of hiring a set, as this was how I originally got into melodeon, borrowing a set from my local folk club (Shammick Acoustic Sessions) If any NSP practitioners are thinking of visiting the West Country, we have a regular sing on second saturday of every month, and you would be very welcome. Again, heartfelt thanks for all the positive and interesting advice |
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01 Dec 04 - 01:34 PM (#1344552) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: TheBigPinkLad Just heard on Mike Harding's webcast last week that Kathryn Tickell is one of the four finalists for the BBC's Folk Musician of the Year Awards -- hope she wins, she's great. |
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01 Dec 04 - 05:31 PM (#1344772) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Guy Wolff To all that look at this thread from the Northumberland pipeing So . There is a thread going on asking for information on Northern English Cd's and how to find them. Anyone who can help enlighten the rest of us the thread is called "Northern English Mudcat Cd's " Thanks for the help , yours Guy |
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02 Dec 04 - 07:15 AM (#1345295) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: shepherdlass Couldn't agree more with all these comments - Northumbrian pipers are so generous with help and information. It's a privilege even to be a dilettante (that'd be me) around all you fantastic people! |
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02 Dec 04 - 09:25 AM (#1345379) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Guy Wolff I think I have this straight now .... So when you all get together do you mostly have the F+chanter and set and can get near in tuning to each other at least in a F# kind of tonic ???? . The great pictures of all those great players in the 50's sitting together is that the chanter they are using (F+) ?? .. Were they playing this F+ chanter you have been takling about and playing the charts as if they were in G ?? THe modern G major chanter is smaller yet and not as popular ( but more popular then the D chanter) Is this all correct?? All the best , Guy |
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02 Dec 04 - 02:37 PM (#1345607) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: 8_Pints Hi Guy & Shepherdlass, Broadly speaking yes I think that F+ was the standard concert pitch of its day, and most other instruments were later built with A = 440 Hz as in today's convention. Interestingly this only appears to be a recent development. See link .... Even today I know some pipers who prefer a 'sharper tuning' to their pipes, so its not as harmonious as might be assumed! I don't know about the ratio of 'D' sets in existence as opposed to 'G' sets but perhaps some authority might advise us on this in due coarse. Bob vG |
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02 Dec 04 - 03:20 PM (#1345638) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Anita Evans The usual pitch of the modern 'F' set is 20 cents sharp of concert F. Way back in the early 1970s, when I used to go to Northumbrian Pipers' society meetings, there was much less agreement about this, and the sessions were not always easy listening! The older sets were really solo instruments so absolute pitch was less of an issue. At around that time, Colin Ross made dimensions for a true concert F chanter, and matching reed, freely available. This helped the situation, but concert F chanters have a quieter tone than the sharper, older chanters. Now chanters are still mostly made to the concert F dimensions, but reeded to sound 'F plus 20', for a nice bright tone. They can be made to play true F with a suitable reed. The G chanter dates back to the mid-sixties (I think) but has always been in a minority, and can suffer from a tone which some consider to be over-bright. It also has the tighter fingering. Northumbrian Pipes sessions are often advertised as 'F' or 'G'. |
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02 Dec 04 - 09:18 PM (#1345914) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Guy Wolff Richard thanks for the clarification ! Very specifiic and very helpful indeed . All the best , Guy |
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03 Dec 04 - 01:31 AM (#1346016) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Little Robyn My pipes are closer to concert F which is more convenient for lone pipers. It means I can accompany singers who use a guitar or join the flute, fiddle, guitar etc. at our local session. I don't know how I'll get on when the NZ piper's tour gets under way next January - someone will have to fettle them a little, to bring them up to F-and-a-bit. I just hope I can lower them again afterwards! Robyn |
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10 Dec 04 - 11:40 AM (#1353100) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: 8_Pints Pauline Cato & Tom McConville are performing in Halifax next Thursday. Bob vG See details .... |
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13 Dec 04 - 08:00 AM (#1355494) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,garys@samesplc.com Hi, Does anyone have any details of someone who could teach me to play the pipes in london?? I'm an exiled geordie living in Dulwich. Cheers. |
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13 Dec 04 - 08:55 AM (#1355521) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: 8_Pints Graham Wells is the NPS contact for London, Garys, so he may be able to help. Mailto:Grahamwhwells@aol.com Bob vG |
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17 Oct 06 - 04:03 PM (#1861515) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,bob can a set of nsp in D # be tuned to D. i'm pretty sure they're about 20 cents #.obviously i'm talking about the chanter reed.guitarist friends say they would have to tune up to the pipes each time. |
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17 Oct 06 - 04:17 PM (#1861524) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: John Routledge Pretty sure D and G NSP chanters are generally concert pitch. F chanters are frequently F plus 20cents rather than F or F# Any real experts out there :0) |
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17 Oct 06 - 04:29 PM (#1861531) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,bob thanks john. these pipes are actually in the same D as D whistle,so is that compatible with playing along with guitarists for instance? |
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17 Oct 06 - 04:35 PM (#1861537) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,bob this ones about the drones...if i'm only using the two middle drones what would the tuning of these be.i'm a beginner guys so layman's terms are very much appreciated. |
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18 Oct 06 - 04:43 AM (#1861957) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST Ged Where are you?! |
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18 Oct 06 - 11:49 AM (#1862244) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,bob i've been told that the smaller of the two middle drones will be in a and the larger one in d.will these notes be concet pitch ,sharp or flat? |
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18 Oct 06 - 11:54 AM (#1862251) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Paul Burke Do it by ear, to the chanter. Whatever the chanter is pitched at, the drones should sound harmonious to that. |
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18 Oct 06 - 12:05 PM (#1862260) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Big Mick Northumbrian drones are usually tuned to the tonic or the fourth. On a D set with three drones, you would tune the drones D-A-D. Mick |
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18 Oct 06 - 12:12 PM (#1862268) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,bob cheers paul.so with a D chanter wil the d drone be higher pitched {middle drone}.and what about the A drone.i'm only using the middle two for now. |
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18 Oct 06 - 12:14 PM (#1862274) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Big Mick How many drones does the set have, 3 or 4? |
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18 Oct 06 - 12:17 PM (#1862280) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,bob hi mick and thanks.i have four drones .will i only ever use the smaller three?or all four? |
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18 Oct 06 - 12:31 PM (#1862304) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Big Mick bob, I play Irish Uilleann pipes, and I am only minimally familiar with Northumbrians, but here is my understanding. Typically the two outside drones are pitched an octave apart based on the bell note. So a D set would have the bass and the tenor drone set an octave apart in D. The baritone drone would be pitched to the dominant which would be A. As I understand it, the fourth drone is there so that you could also play the set in G, and set the drones for that. I will let a Northumbrian piper correct me if I am wrong. The short answer for you is to pitch your tenor (smallest drone) at D, and the third drone at D. Add the baritone at A if you are comfy. May I suggest that you check out the homepage for the Northumbrian Pipers Society. You should be able to get all the help you need there. All the best, Mick |
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18 Oct 06 - 12:56 PM (#1862328) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,bob cheers mick.don't know that my last message to ye went through. |
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18 Oct 06 - 01:03 PM (#1862334) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,bob anyway i'll try again.i was saying that my guitarist friend was saying that the pipes sounded a bit sharp and he had ta tune up his box.do you think i was maybe puttiing too much pressure through or can something be done with the chanter reed?also i've been using a guitar tuner to see whats what,is this o.k.? |
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18 Oct 06 - 01:18 PM (#1862340) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Paul Burke Don't touch the reed until you know what you are doing. You're likely to damage it if you aren't careful enough. You REALLY need to get hold of a local piper who can take you through to stage 1. Even an Irish piper will be better than no one at all, but ideally lessons in every aspect of playing and maintenance from a good Northumbrian piper will save you possibly years of frustration. |
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18 Oct 06 - 01:22 PM (#1862345) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Big Mick I agree completely, Paul. I would suggest you use the link I gave you above, and locate tuition in your area. Most pipers that fail, do so because the instrument wasn't set up properly to begin with. There is a fellow at the Getaway here in the States, who has a lovely old set of Northumbrian Pipes. He is constantly tinkering with them, and can't get them to play right. But the reason is because there are leaks every where in them. bob, the number one enemy of bellows blown pipes is air leaks. Everything depends on you being able to control the air pressure in the pipes. Find someone to get you started right, and you will be a wise man, and very soon, a good piper. Mick |
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18 Oct 06 - 01:29 PM (#1862351) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST thanks to ya both.i dwell just outside Glasgow ,so anybody who knows anyone in my vicinity that has the time as a tutor ,please get in touch.thanks again guys.bob. |
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18 Oct 06 - 03:56 PM (#1862475) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: 8_Pints Hi Guest, From the NSP Members Handbook there seem to be about nine pipers in the Glasgow, Strathclyde, Ayr & Galloway regions but I don't know if they would be willing to offer tuition. Dave Shaw ran a 'taster' session for the 'small pipes' at Celtic Connections'2005 so it may be worth checking to see if this will be on offer again in January. I will send you contact details if you join Mudcat (via the Personal Message service to preserve confidentiality). Decreasing the playing pressure does slightly flatten the pitch but there are limits to what can be done. As John Routledge said earlier, my D chanter is concert pitch and doesn't require modification as regards pitch. I have a standard set of drones that are tunable using the tuning beads on the largest and third largest drones. These gives D & D' (virtual C) but my middle drone requires a second tuning bead to be able to play A and as I only have one I make do without! If it helps I can provide the Hz frequencies for each drone in concert pitch. Bob vG |
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18 Oct 06 - 04:10 PM (#1862505) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Big Mick AAAAHHHHHHH, there's the Northumbrian piper I was looking for. Good man ya are, 8 pints. Mick, back to the pipes he knows. |
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18 Oct 06 - 04:31 PM (#1862536) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: rab haw thanks lads.ok am under rab haw now not bob.bobis gone for a while.8 pints i was thinkin about celtic cons when they come up again jan 07 i think.been goin for the last few years now.so theres an option but its a wee bit away still.what about these other contacts ye mentioned and how do ye do it in the confidential manner you mentioned. |
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18 Oct 06 - 04:55 PM (#1862572) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: rab haw the Hz frequencies would be a good help 8 pints as it would hopefully allow my ears to become accustomed to the proper harmonics. |
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18 Oct 06 - 05:26 PM (#1862610) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,Guest, Julia in Northumberland Rab If you can get down as far as Penrith next weekend (28th) there's a pipers day organised by Richard & Anita Evans (www.evansweb.co.uk) This would tell you maybe more than you want to know (for now) Don't know about any tutors in Glasgow, but Ian McDonald of the Neilston Pipe Band plays Northumbrian pipes as well. Or there's books designed to help the isolated piper.... More info on request Julia |
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18 Oct 06 - 05:34 PM (#1862615) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: rab haw would love to go to that one but alas i won't be able to julia.as far as books go i have richard butlers basic guide but its written for pipes in G .what other books do ya recommend. |
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18 Oct 06 - 06:13 PM (#1862659) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,Jack Campin It shouldn't matter much that the book is written for pipes in G, just play transposed to begin with (i.e. do what Butler says with your fingers and let the pitch take care of itself). You will eventually want to play untransposed, because folk tunebooks are written at sounding pitch and you won't want to manually transpose every tune on paper before playing with other people. Recorder players all do that mental trick, it should only take a few days to get the hang of it. |
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18 Oct 06 - 07:00 PM (#1862709) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: 8_Pints rab, To access the personal message I've sent you click on the "personal page" hypertext link at the head of your page and you alone will receive it. Concert pitch frequencies are given in this url: they show D (293.66Hz), A (440Hz) and D' (587.33Hz) As Jack Campin described, if you play the G fingering on the D pipes they will sound 'correctly' but lower in pitch. Good luck Bob vG |
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18 Oct 06 - 07:12 PM (#1862726) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,Jack Campin That page about pitch standards is quite fascinating in a sick and twisted sort of way. I have a page giving audio versions of their table of modern frequencies - http://tinyurl.com/9xvdp - designed for buying and selling fixed-pitch instruments like ocarinas on eBay, it hasn't been used much for that yet. |
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19 Oct 06 - 10:26 AM (#1863209) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Tootler First of all while what Jack Campin and 8 Pints say is correct. If you play G fingering on a D chanter it will come out OK only a fourth lower. However if you wish to play with others, don't be tempted to do it. More useful is to get a fingering chart for a G chanter - or even a traditional F chanter as the music for Pipes in F is written in G. Traditional NSP is a transposing instrument. Under the notes in your fingering chart write the not a fourth lower, so for G, write D underneath, for A write E and so on. That will then give you your fingering chart for your D chanter. I have known recorder players who have learnt treble by simply using their fingerings from the descant. (Treble recorder is a fourth below the descant, so the difference is the same as the G/D chanters for NSP) Works fine until they wanted to play with others. They then had to unlearn what they had learnt so they could learn the treble fingering and the whole process took a lot longer than it would have done if they had learnt the correct fingerings in the first place. Once you are familiar with the system knowing you can follow other fingerings to transpose easily can be useful. I would echo the advice others have given and find another Northumbrian piper and get lessons. If you have to travel for a bit, it will be worthwhile in the long run. I have done Middlesbrough to Glasgow and back in a day for a Recorder Society meeting. If it's any help the Sage in Gateshead periodically run absolute beginners days. They did some for Northumbrian pipes recently. I don't know if they have any more planned but if you go here there are contact details. They do have a general absolute beginners day in February, though. |
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19 Oct 06 - 12:07 PM (#1863302) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,rab haw thanks to jack, 8 pints and tootler for taking the time .it's good to know there's help for me if and when i have a querie.i'm very much the beginner on nsp and will not pretend otherwise.i just got this lovely instrument about a month or so ago from mr.burleigh.a seven key chanter in D with "complicated drones".i chose the D chanter because i don't have small hands .also i thought D would be ok if sitting around with guitarists for instance.since i'm not around established playsr's i've been playing an "op[en fingering" style since i listen to a lot of folk music by the likes of the corries.all that said i do need to be around nortumbrian pipers to get their knowledge and be able to play "closed fingering". how do you guys view what i'm doing as a complete beginner?[go easy on me lads and lassies]. |
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19 Oct 06 - 12:23 PM (#1863319) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: rab haw 8 pints? after goin to personal page what do i click on to to read your message .there's a message from ya but i can't get to it.also,for the frequencies check what do you suggest i use.i have a guitar tuner here. |
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19 Oct 06 - 12:26 PM (#1863328) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Paul Burke I think that the closed fingering is really an integral part of Northumbrian pipe music. If you want to do open fingering, there are various sorts of smallpipes that are better suited to that. But persvere, learn from pipers and listen to recordings, I'm sure you'll get it together after a while. After all, there's no overblowing to worry about. |
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19 Oct 06 - 01:12 PM (#1863387) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: rab haw hi paul .i totally agree with what you just said.closed fingerihg is the way to play and i do practice the scale and also simple tunes this way .i know this can only improve.after all that was the reason i liked them to begin with.in saying that ido tend to enjoy a wee bit of "freestyle" playing just to mix things up a bit,and it don't sound all too bad either.i uunderstand how this may offend the long time hardened northumbrian player but i am working on bettering myself. |
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19 Oct 06 - 08:41 PM (#1863751) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: 8_Pints Hi rab, Sorry to have confused you! There should be line that reads something like "You have 1 messages". Click this link and it will display a message header showing who sent it and the message title. Click on the message title to read the text. You can then click on "reply" to respond with a private message of your own. Bob vG |
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19 Oct 06 - 08:49 PM (#1863755) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Big Mick Look at the very top of the page next to the "The Mudcat Cafe" logo. You will see a line that says "You have 1 message". Click on that line and it will take you to your personal message page. Thanks to the Northumbrian Pipers helping this lad out. That is what Mudcat is all about. All the best, Mick |
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20 Oct 06 - 04:10 AM (#1863937) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,Julia in Northumberland Rab Fingering depends on what you want to do with the instrument in the longer term. However, the instrument was developed to utilise its unique closed end feature - to enable the production of detached notes. (We no longer prefer to use the word staccato, since this can convey the wrong impression). Detached notes are what nsp does best - if you want the open slurred effects, maybe you really would be more comfortable with a different breed of bagpipe. Also, it can be more difficult to learn closed fingering after a period of playing with open fingering. I would always advise people to go with the tried and tested methods for the instrument first, to learn its traditional capabilities. Then if you want to branch out, that's up to you. Open or 'sloppy' fingering is very difficult to unlearn.We see quite a few beginners who have learnt in isolation and have had to correct bad habits later - it's difficult, believe me. There'll be an article on fingering styles in the upcoming NPS Magazine. Hope this helps Julia |
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20 Oct 06 - 07:04 AM (#1864032) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: 8_Pints I believe Julia that once said Colin Ross had written an NPS article on decoration. Is there any chance this could be re-published? Bob vG |
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20 Oct 06 - 07:24 AM (#1864042) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,Julia in Norhumberland I don't think Colin has....Adrian Schofield did, about 15 years ago. If that's the one you're thinking of, it describes Adrian's own / Billy Pigg's approach to decoration and gracing, and I think Adrian himself has probably altered his playing style a bit since then. Discussion on appropriate decoration for nsp can raise a major storm amongst nspipers almost as quickly as some of the "What is folk" type discussions seem to do here on mudcat. Perhaps they're more relevant to a specialist list? Cheers Julia |
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28 Oct 06 - 08:56 AM (#1870694) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST should the chanter bore be cleaned regularly or left alone. |
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28 Oct 06 - 12:08 PM (#1870797) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST,Julia in Northumberland Depends who made the pipes, and what your own feelings are on the matter. And if it's working satisfactorily just now (the "if it ain't broke...") Some makers say yes, others prefer not to. Some chanters, it is said, are designed for 'fluff' to build up in the bore to stay in tune. Others are designed the opposite way and rely on a polished bore. |
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28 Oct 06 - 12:15 PM (#1870798) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: John Routledge I have a Ross chanter and a Burleigh chanter and oil the bore of each about every six weeks. They NEVER sound worse and often sound better. Otherwise as Julia says. |
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30 Oct 06 - 07:32 AM (#1872077) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: GUEST O.k. so what type of oil would be used for cleaning the chanter?Also,what (if anything)should be done to the drones as far as oiling etc. |
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30 Oct 06 - 11:07 AM (#1872233) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Gedpipes Liquid paraffin or neatsfoot oil but as Julia says you might want to get onto the NSP list for more in depth discussions To get on or off this list see list information at > http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html Cheers Ged |
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30 Oct 06 - 01:51 PM (#1872355) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: Little Robyn There has been a lot of discussion on different oils to use, including scented ones. One very simple rule (that I still favour) is animal oil for animal products - ie leather, and vegetable oil for vegetable contents - wooden bits. Robyn |
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21 Nov 06 - 09:46 PM (#1890422) Subject: RE: Northumbrian Pipes From: DeeRod My pipes are on the way out of Mark Cushing's shop. It's a Burleigh D set w. 13 keys. Yes, compatable with guitar and fiddle but don't let the bastards keep you down! Softly, softly. I'm a kitchen piper, not a session piper. I play "Back in the Saddle Again, and I can't give you anything but love, Baby" because I can. I have big fat fingers, so the G pipes (thinking of G recorder) was never an option. Yes, the low notes are not only hard to finger, they're hard to keep from overblowing,i.e. Dum |