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11 Jun 03 - 08:15 AM (#965725) Subject: small pipes practise chanter From: Alexis I would like some advice from piping cat people please. I have recently sucumbed to a strange urge and bought a set of mouth blown scottish small pipes (in D). I'm getting to grips with the blowing and bag bit with the drones, but now need to practise with the chanter bit. I am unable to find a reasonably priced practise chanter to suit, and don't realy want to start with a bagpipe chanter (different keys and sizes etc). Is there a way that I can join the mouth piece to the chanter?, or does anyone know of a practise chanter manufacturer (cheap!), or would I be better off using a bagpipe one? Pipes were made by RT Shepherd Alex |
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11 Jun 03 - 08:28 AM (#965734) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: Bassic Im no piper but know a couple of ssp players, couldnt you just plug the drones (they both have little plastic plugs so they can select which drones they want to use) and that way take them out of the system? That would give you what you want I presume and still get practice at bag control at the same time! |
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11 Jun 03 - 08:32 AM (#965739) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: smallpiper Alex the first thing I would suggest is to use what you have got they are quiet enough (or should be) the second is to get a tutor Vicki Swan (from Serious Kitchen) has developed an on line tutor which can be accessed through their web site click here then click on "our music" then Music and scroll down to the smallpipes guide. Its a good tutor alternatively you may like to checkout what is on offer from the Lowland and Border pipers Society .click here . As for practice chanters you either go with a Highland one or splash out loads of cash for an electronic "pencil Chanter" (£150 from Begg bagpipes) but I rather think you'd be better off using what you've got just stop the drones with a bit of blue tack (if you havn't gott drone stops) and away you go. Where are you based? I might know someone in your local who can help. Best of luck John |
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11 Jun 03 - 09:07 AM (#965762) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: Alexis Thanks both. I'm in Holmfirth Alex |
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11 Jun 03 - 09:56 AM (#965787) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: Noreen Surely the idea of a practice chanter is that you can just pick it up & play without having to strap on the whole kit- and you can just concentrate on the fingering. Practice chanters for Uillean pipes were comonly seen when I was growing up. Sorry I can't be of more help with specifics for you, Alexis, but good luck! Noreen |
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11 Jun 03 - 10:06 AM (#965795) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: Bassic Good point Noreen, The nearest my piping friend came to that level of convenience (in the absence of a specific ssp practice chanter being produced by anyone) was Smallpipers suggestion of the electronic pencil chanter. This had the added convenience of being listened to through an earpiece so could be played anywhere without disturbing the neighbours! Not a cheap option tho. |
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11 Jun 03 - 10:22 AM (#965803) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: smallpiper The idea of the practice chanter is a highland pipe thing. So that you can learn the fingering then progress to a thing called a Goose (which is the bag, practice chanter and blow stick) then on to the pipes increasing the number of drones you use as you master the blowing, squeezing and fingering techniques. As far as I am aware the introduction of practice chanters for Uillean pipes is a new thing. Apart from the electronic pencil chanter I am not aware of any thing specific for either smallpipes or border pipes. I am sure there are a number of pipers around your area Alexis, I will dig out my LBPS membership list and look them up for you. |
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11 Jun 03 - 10:57 AM (#965825) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: Alexis much appreciated Alex |
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11 Jun 03 - 11:07 AM (#965829) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: GUEST,allen woodpecker Try Bagpipes Galore in Edinburgh. I think the guy who runs the shop is called Ralph, and he makes cheap 'n cheerful practice chanters (mouth blown, bag, two little drones with brass reeds, and a chanter made of polymer) that sounds a bit like a "goose". He used to make them with plastic reeds which didn't last very long but he may have improved the design in the last couple of years. Back then they cost about £90 or so and you can practice the breathing and the chantering at the same time. a.w. |
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11 Jun 03 - 01:50 PM (#965934) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: Noreen I remember Uillean pipes chanters from 30 years ago, sp. |
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11 Jun 03 - 03:07 PM (#965974) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: smallpiper Well you live and learn Noreen |
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11 Jun 03 - 08:22 PM (#966157) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: Barry T Smallpipes in D means very small finger spacing. Because of this I would avoid acquiring a normal practice chanter. Perhaps a kid's version might get hole spacing close enough to the D chanter to be of value. But I agree with Bassic... cork the drones if you just want to reduce volume. Keeping the chanter going will require no effort at all. BTW... When I got my smallpipes I was thrilled because I no longer had to use the practice chanter! |
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12 Jun 03 - 05:42 AM (#966361) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: smallpiper Alexis I can't find my LBPS membership list. Are you going to Beverley fest? If so we could meet and I'll have a look at the pipes for you. Cheers John |
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12 Jun 03 - 11:39 AM (#966420) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: Alexis Sorry, I'm at middlewich this weekend and then Ely. Which probably doesn't help short term. I have a feeling that you are one of the Hull9 cats am I correct? If so, this might be a reason to travel further than walking distance to a session (accordion, not the pipes - yet anyway) Regards Alex |
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12 Jun 03 - 12:23 PM (#966440) Subject: RE: small pipes practise chanter From: smallpiper Yep you are right I am one of the Hull mob but you'd be welcome at any local session even with the aerophone (but bring your pipes so I can have a skeg at them) PM me if you plan to come over. Tuesday night at the Sloop in Barton would probably be your best bet (If you can't wait till the first sunday of the month session at the sun inn in beverley) |