Expert: Arash Ebrahimi - 7/2/2007

Question
HELP!!!  I wish to buy a set of bagpipes as a gift for a friend but know nothing about them.  This will be his first set.  What is the difference between highland pipes, small pipes, and the other classifications I have found?  He may eventually wish to join an established group of pipers, so I want a set that will be compatible with other sets.  Is buying used, i.e. ebay, a good idea?  Is there a good source of basic information about pipes?  What other questions should I be asking?  Thanks so much, J.R.

Answer
Hello J.R.,

A lot of great questions and I will answer them the best I can.

So first thing's first.  Before you think about buying a set of bagpipes, it's important to know if your friend has every played on a chanter before.  A chanter is basically a recorder, set to roughly the same key as the bagpipe chanter.  Most teachers will not let their students touch a set of bagpipes for the first 6 months to one year of their studies.  You play on the chanter only during this time.  Even when you start to play the pipes, about half of your time is still spent on the chanter.  Many times people will buy a set of bagpipes first, and then try to take lessons.  If you have access to an instructor, I highly recommend against this.  So for the rest of my response, I will assume that your friend has enough instruction on the bagpipes that they are ready to start playing (usually atleast 2-3 months of instructions).  If not, your money might be better spent on lessons.  Here are some links to help you find instructors in your area:

http://www.ceolas.org/instruments/pipes/teachers/
http://www.highlandnet.com/info/teacher/pipe.html

There are several hundred different types of bagpipes.  The most popular, of course, is the Great Highland Bagpipe.  The difference in the pipes usually has to do with the region they come from, their tuning, and overall sound.  You can do a Google search to learn more about the specific type of bagpipe you are interested in.  If he is interested in playing with a band, then the Great Highland Pipes would be your best bet.  I don't know of very many bands (in the United States) that incorporate non Highland pipes.

Buying used is not a good idea unless you are very familiar with bagpipes already.  For example:

http://item.express.ebay.com/__Woodwind-Instruments_Full-size-Nickel-Ivoroid-tri...

If you don't know anything about bagpipes this would seem like a great set.  A set made out of rosewood will not only not sound great, but won't last you long.  In terms of price, regardless of the brand that you choose, expect to pay at least 900 for a decent set of pipes.  Anything after 900 is usually for bragging rights.  For example, on a 900 dollar set it may be fitted with nickel on the drones.  On a 2000 dollar set, it may be fitted with gold.  The nickel or gold don't change the sound one bit.

Again, it would be difficult for me to say buy a set of Kilberry pipes vs. buy a set of McCallum's without knowing  your friend, how well they play, and the specifics of their playing style.  That's why learning with an instructor is highly desired.  McCallum's are known for being pretty decent pipes.  Their different models are numbered from AB0 to AB10 I think (going from cheapest to most expensive).  I play on a set of AB2's, one of the cheaper sets.  I bought it used 3 years ago and it still works great.

Something like that would be great for a beginner.  

*Other questions you should be asking*
When ordering a set of pipes the size of the bag, drone reeds, colors of tassles and bag, etc.  All of these things are tailored to the taste of the piper.  The size of the bag is most important, as a bag that is too big or too small will make it difficult to play.

You will also want to buy some piping supplies, like a case for the pipes, extra reeds, electrical tape (used to cover the holes on the chanter to make a note higher or lower).

I know I've thrown a whole lot of information at you, and I hope that some of it will be helpful.  Feel free to send over any other questions :)

-A