Uilleann pipes are a bellows blown pipe. They are unique in the world of bagpipes, in that they play 2 full octaves with accidentals. They consist, in their full version, of a chanter that may or may not be keyed, a bag, a bellows, 3 drones, and 3 regulators. The regulators consist of 3 rows of keys which are played with the wrist, or hand, or fingers, which provide chordal accompaniment. They can also be played independent of the chanter. There are various configurations beginning with a practice set, which consists of a bag, bellows and chanter, all the way up to the full set. A half set consists of the practice set, plus three drones.

Fingering for the Uilleann pipes is only similar to the whistle. Whistles have 6 holes. UP's have 7 on the front, 1 on the back which is the octave to the bell note, and the bottom of the chanter is considered another hole, which when sounded with all the other holes covered gives the bell note. Concert pitch in UP's is considered to be D, but they are built in a variety of keys. IMO, the only worth in practicing on the whistle first is to get the student used to the fingering concept, as well as the concept of jumping the octave by greater wind. The UP's are the same in that regard. I would say, and some will disagree with me, that the real value in learning whistle first is to determine if one has the stick-to-it attitude required to learn the pipes.

The UP's require a real desire to learn to play them. One must understand the reeds, one must practice endlessly to learn bellows technique, proper pressure on the bag, fingering, as well as ornaments. I have described my passion for them as "hating the fact that I love this instrument".

Mick