Here are 3 suggestions to make it work properly: 1) Make sure the
reed is seated properly in the bottom section. 2) Be careful when
putting the top section (blow cap) on that the reed does not touch the sides.
3) Cover the back hole with your thumb or you will not be able to get the
other notes to sound. We offer an excellent book, Learn to Play the
Bagpipe, by R. T. Shephard.
There is little agreement in the bagpipe industry on this question. Pipers can't seem to agree on what the notes should be, and in addition they change their minds every couple years. On a set of full size pipes, low A on the Celtic scale = B flat on the Western scale.
The practice chanter is tuned to B flat on the western scale.
On the practice chanters and on the toy bagpipes, plastic reeds are used. On all others, cane reeds are used.
No, they require only 1/2 as much air.
Yes. In fact, Mid-East Mfg., Inc. stocks replacement parts for all sizes of bagpipes.
Two sets of reeds, corks, seasoning, and hemp thread are included with each bagpipe set (except for the toy bagpipe).
Hemp thread is tied around different joints of the bagpipes to ensure that they are airtight. This is on the sole of the practice chanter, in the middle of the drones and also to tighten ferrules, as well as pipes into stocks.
Corks are used to plug up the stocks when seasoning is used.
Also drone stocks are corked when first learning the bagpipe (called
"Playing the Goose").
The bagpipe bag is cowhide and it must be able to retain air. When seasoning is used, it lets any moisture out of the bag. It is applied through the blowpipe stock.
African Blackwood is used in this style bagpipe. It is a very hard wood with a brighter tone to it.
Twenty yards if you have a good arm.
Half size pipes are also known as Parlor Pipes because of their smaller size. They are normally played inside.
For each model, we offer packages which include additional accessories, books, practice chanters and recorded media which help you develop your skills. The savings are greater for you because we save in shipping and especially handling. We have assembled the most popular packages that have been proven winners in the past.