Boatswain's Pipe info.

Subject: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 22 May 99 - 11:11 PM

A while back I was given a Boatswain's Pipe and I would sort of like to put it to work in some anthentic fashion while playing gigs for sailors.

I was in the Navy (l951-54) on the USS Helena (a heavy cruiser) and distinctly remember being awaken every morning by one of these little whistles. There would be a low note (formed by partially covering the hole in the end of the thing) this would be followed by a high note (formed by uncovering the hole) these notes would be repeated twice followed by a long trailing off to a low note. (X2). This would then be followed by some announcement such as "Now hear this, now hear this, up all hand........"

There are other tunes (? if you could call them that) such as one used to Pipe someone of high rank on board ship and a variety of tunes used for various purposes. (I can't remember any of them)

I would be interested in knowing anything about the history of the Boatswain's Pipe, if it is still being used by the modern navy, and any of the tunes(?) that one could play. Thought I was making progress on the internet when I hit on naval ceremonies, however I was stopped ~ apparently being some sort of security risk.

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: SeanM
Date: 22 May 99 - 11:44 PM

From moderately recent experience (Discharge in 1992 from the USS Peleliu, LHA-5), Bosun's pipes are still used. Mostly when in port or for captain's announcements, but still in use nevertheless.

Can't help you on the rest...

M

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 23 May 99 - 10:11 AM

I did manage to dig up some information on the history of the boatswain's pipe via the internet but so far nothing on tunes. If you are interested:

BOATSWAIN'S PIPE ~~~ The Boatswain's pipe, or whistle, is an article of nautical equipment of great antiquity. Originally employed to "call the stroke" in ancient row-galleys, it became, in the early English Navy, a badge of office and of honor. Later, the pipe became the distinctive emblem of the boatswain and his mates. Today the boatswain's mate uses the pipe when the "word is passed," etc

Albeit not a navigational instrument, the boatswain's pipe was a tool of great value. This peculiarly shaped whistle was used by the boatswain (the contraction bos'n was not used in the 16th century) to pipe orders throughout the ship. Its high-pitched sound was usually audible, even above the howling of the wind, to crewmen working high in the rigging.

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: Margo
Date: 24 May 99 - 01:27 AM

I bought a bosun's whistle in a gift shop, and with it came a pamphlet with description of the different whistle patterns used for each command. It didn't really tell a whole lot about the whistle as far as history, just a scetchy bit.

I've tried it and found that you really do have to blow hard to get a good clean sound. And yes, it is shrill!

Margarita

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: Bulldog
Date: 24 May 99 - 01:39 AM

The proper term is Bosun's Call, not pipe. You can get a copy of the various calls used aboard ship from the Admiralty Manual of Seamanship Vol 1 (British) If you cannot get the book from your library I would suggest you try some marine sites on internet. The General Call is very similar to the standard "Wolf Whistle" (used to attract a girls attention in the old days). A simple High to Low 2 second burst was "Carry on" and an 8 second High was to bring to Attention EG at Sunset or for Colours raising and lowering the Ensign.. Good Luck. Yours Aye! Dave

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: Roger the zimmer
Date: 24 May 99 - 04:52 AM

I've always claimed I can't play anything except the kazoo but this thread has reminded me that when I was a sea cadet at school I did master a couple of pipes on the bosun's call! Not enought to sustain a musical career though!

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 May 99 - 05:04 AM

Click here and here for pictures, and HERE for more than you'll ever want to know....
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: Bob Schwarer
Date: 24 May 99 - 07:52 AM

Thanks, Joe. I got my old pipe out. Now I'll have to learn it all over again.

Bob S.

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 24 May 99 - 10:01 AM

Ahoy Joe, that is fantastic! I'm ready to go to sea again! Now if I could just get into my old uniform ~ or what's left of it.

It's a good thing the family is away today ~~~ now where did I put that bosun's call.

Many thanks~~~~Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: Fadac
Date: 24 May 99 - 01:45 PM

I used to play the bosun's call (pipe) while in the Sea Explorers. In their manual there is a very good section on how to hold, play the call. And some calls to work on, from pipiong the capt aboard to chow call. Used similar to a bugle in the army. Something loud and shrill to be heard of the noise of a working ship.

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: Lesley N.
Date: 24 May 99 - 09:09 PM

Intersting thread. As a Captain's daughter I was very embarrassed not to be able to get a note out of the darn thing. Blow VERY hard you say? I have a lot more hot air now that I did then, maybe I should try again.

I've always wanted to know how they got BOSUN out of Boatswain? Any linguists out there?

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: manylodges (inactive)
Date: 24 May 99 - 11:09 PM

There are two distinct type of bosun pipes, English and American. The English version has a larger bowl, and a Bottom fin which attaches to the stem of the pipe. The American version has a much smaller bowl, with no fin attached. The pipe was used to call out orders to the sailers when the voice would not carry the wind. Such as an order to shorten sail. They were used to pipe aboard officers of rank, such as capt. admirals, comidors, ect. This was more than just a salute, it was to let every member of the crew know who was aboard or leaving the ship. It would also call a fighting ship to battle, and give orders to sailers under the gun who could not hear voice comands. Before you blow your lungs out on an English pipe, I would attemp to tune it. You should very gently put two dimples on each side of it with a ball pien hammer. This will cut the amount of air it takes to get the pitch. Then melt some bee's wax and thinly pure some into the bowl and keeping the bowl hot shake out any excess. This also helps to reduce the amount of flow, and by increasing or decreasing the amount you use you will get the pitch you need.

As for the calls, it also depends on if your English or American. I would suggest you find an old bosun who will be more than happy to give you a tune or two.

Subject: RE: Boatswain's Pipe info.
From: SeanM
Date: 24 May 99 - 11:11 PM

Simple answer really... Bosun is pretty much the pronunciation of Boatswain as it reached the age of print. Same with Focsle/Forecastle and Coxsun/Coxswain).

Sorry to demystify it...

M