I'm a great believer that learning to play small pipes (incl fireside/folk pipes) greatly assists in understanding how to keep the chanter and drones "steady" when playing the GHP's. This applies to mouth blown as well as bellows small pipes. Learning small pipes has really helped me keep the sound even on the bagpipes regards balancing bag pressure and blowing strength (even when pausing to take breaths) along the chanter scale..
@billyandboniemonahan39393 жыл бұрын
Matt your passion, energy and enjoyment of teaching is amazing. Keep up the amazing work. Many of us can’t wait for the next episode.
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
More to come!
@josephyoung9060 Жыл бұрын
The smallpipes sound amazing, especially when playing amazing grace.Have a good day
@KENAVLOG2 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot for your video Matt. I just got mine besides my bagpipes classes, your tips are great and helpful. Cheers from France (Bretagne)
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
Glad to help!
@guadalupeybarra65503 жыл бұрын
Bravo. Thank you Matt for the videos I've finally ordered a set of practice pipes because there are now quality lessons on KZbin. Your instructions are clear, comprehensive, detailed and not boring. I wish the best for the success of your channel. Live long and prosper!
@Colorado4x43 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to this one as I just got a set of Gibson smallpipes. Been playing them for a week and wow what a difference it is than highland pipes.
@cpy96913 жыл бұрын
You inspired me to get some Hardie practice pipes and I love them. Thank you! 😊👍
@deanmaltsberger14262 жыл бұрын
I bought the twist trap practice pipes last fall im just starting to use them im so glad I got to see what I have being used thanks
@karinsingleton1572 жыл бұрын
Perfect timing for me. You are a great teacher.
@ianreid88993 жыл бұрын
The RSL Memorial Pipes and Drums Townsville, Australia, is developing a 'Small Pipes' Corps with Bodhran Drum support so that we can provide a concert inside where the GHB is not suited to be played. Your Video has helped me to better understand the small pipes and the benefits that it provides in the transition to the GHB. Thank you so much.
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
Cool idea and glad you found the video useful! I'd love to see a video once you all are up and running.
@ianreid88993 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks so much for your positive feedback and encouragement. The background is that our usual indoor playing venues do not want the GHP and Drums playing inside, as they are just too loud. The Band has decided to expand to include a Small Pipes and Bodhran Corps. I will make a video that we can send to you. Might take a while, we are still developing our pipe repertoire and learning to use the Bodhran Drums LoL. @RSLPipesDrumsTsv is our Facebook link.
@lwpweb Жыл бұрын
For me best bagpipe session ever!!! Keep going on. Will go for the Hardie as next step from my no drone goose chanter. Nice the A tuning.
@stevethompson79103 жыл бұрын
Matt, Love what you do to help us become better pipers. Aloha! 🤙
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
Happy to help!
@lyndsayfenn87092 жыл бұрын
I am loving your videos Matt. You are definitely helping me on my journey from chanter to pipes!
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
Great to hear!
@johnm38593 жыл бұрын
Another excellent video Matt. I don't have either small or practice pipes but the video was really interesting on bag placement and other technique for the GHB.
@thesuper8mm13 жыл бұрын
I really love my mouth blown McCallum Blackwood Folk Pipes, they have the fit and feel of the big pipes and they are very comfortable to play. They are especially nice for some of us old geezers. When I get to the point I cant blow these I have a set of Fred Morrison bellow small pipes "LOL"
@ivevanderveken88982 жыл бұрын
Great video. Clear explanation. Just recieved my twist trap. Love it already.
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
Great to hear!
@jonathanbmorrison59642 жыл бұрын
Recently discovered your channel and I’m hooked! I’ve been out of the bagpipe game for awhile but picked them back up. Keep up the great work my friend!
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
Welcome aboard!
@stevehardy46943 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for this video. It was both very helpful and confirming. I was planning to order a set of folkpipes later in the week, so it was also very timely. You hit pretty much every reason I made the decision--can play them in the house and around family and friends without blowing them out, an excellent practice instrument that can actually sound like an instrument, a major and appropriate next step from the practice chanter that develops the various skills needed to not only play these, but the GHBs. I'm also interested in playing with other instruments, especially at church, so pipes in A make that simpler. I would appreciate a video specific to the folkpipes, like your McCallums, that detail a bit more about setup and maintenance if you would. Many thanks for this, and the time you put into all the videos you prepare for us. Much appreciated! Steve
@waynestewart93803 жыл бұрын
I have Gibson ceilidh smallpipes and yes struggling. This has been a very informative video and I find myself putting away my pipes to play the chanter. Thanks Matt very much.
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@soidog659 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Matt. I have a set of Hardy Practice pipes. Love them. I have learned a lot from you.
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
Great to hear!
@Jordenweiss2 жыл бұрын
Matt, Thanks so much! I’m think of transitioning soon to my Walsh small pipes and this lesson has lessened some of my fears!
@kimberleyguilmette761 Жыл бұрын
just wondering how the walsh smallpipes were for you/? I’m on my 4th month with mine, just working on trying to tune the drones, as I’ve improved my breathing & squeezing enough to open up a drone or two.
@werubin13 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Super helpful! It seems like I need to do some blowing exercises.
@jesseburnette60283 жыл бұрын
This was one of your best video. Strongly recommend it as all the setup tips here are great for the GHB-principles are largely the same. It’s resonance theory. Brilliantly done.
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@jesseburnette60283 жыл бұрын
Most helpful in many ways. Thanks. I don’t have the time to “drag out” the GHBs in the week, but these are a good second and as you say, are a good progressive step towards getting a tune nailed on the pipes. You’re going got chring, but I don’t put too much effort into tuning them or the chanter. The Twist traps aren’t the easiest to tune anyway. But you get a face workout, and if your not a circular breather or have an electric chanter, a good progressive step.
@kathrynjoy33498 ай бұрын
This has been really helpful. Thank you!
@MattWillisBagpiper8 ай бұрын
You're very welcome!
@allanprice74132 жыл бұрын
Great comment about the blowing nuance - I recently bought a set of practice pipes but I was worried about them cutting out so often, without realizing I was probably over-blowing them using my old GHB habits. Working much better now that I'm focusing on getting the right balance.
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped!
@kimberleyguilmette761 Жыл бұрын
I’ll be watching this video lots!! my d all pipes are in the mail, after 8 months on my practice chanter, I’m a bit scared, but also looking forward to this progression. Thanks so much!
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
Best of luck!
@kimberleyguilmette761 Жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Its going well after 4 days, the hardest oart is getting used to a new chanter, a bit different spacing but makibg great progress on breathing, squeezing and exhaling sequence
@miguelm679410 ай бұрын
I recommend Piper’s Choice Kitchen Pipes. Great price and a wonderful, dignified sound. Made in Canada 🇨🇦
@jerrybecraft28893 жыл бұрын
You are the man Matt! Would love to see a video transitioning from the GHB to reel pipes.
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
Ah, bringing in the bellows! Yes, that's definitely a video worth making, though I'll admit, it'll be a bit. Gotta finish my BASICs series first!
@jerrybecraft28893 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper I bought the reel pipes from Fred Morrison himself. It was the set he was playing at Winter School 2017. They've been in my closet since. I finally got them out and made a go at them. Good Lord. I put them back in the closet. I may hit you up for lessons on them one day.
@TimothyGordon3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! I actually just ordered a set of Walsh shuttle pipes - but I’m still struggling with sight reading on my practice chanter. I’m using the delivery date, many weeks from now of my shuttle pipes as the motivation for me to practice multiple times a day and be ready!! 💪🏼
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
You can do it!
@seawyfe72892 жыл бұрын
Just ordered the Twist Trap. Now for the lessons. Will contact you
@griffincenteresl3 жыл бұрын
Have been searching and searching (with no luck) for videos exactly like this for transitioning from pc. Please make a video for transitioning from small pipes to Highland pipes. Thank you!
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
There'll definitely be a transitioning from smallpipes to highland video, though it'll be a little bit. I want to finish out my BASICs series "in order", so I have a few more embellishments and tunes to get through first. Stay tuned!
@dougb99763 жыл бұрын
Hi Matt, I'm really enjoying your content! I learned to play GHB about 20 years ago, but didn't keep it up because it's just not a great instrument for playing in the house and I was never that interested in joining a band or competing. More in it just for the personal satisfaction. I picked up a Blair digital chanter a couple of years ago and have been quite enjoying that, but recently I've been considering purchasing a set of Scottish smallpipes, such as the Fred Morrison Smallpipe. Partly based on your previous review, I picked up a set of the RG Hardie TT Practice Pipes to get back into the feel of a real bag before spending big bucks on a full set of smallpipes. I just received them a couple of days ago, so this video is timely! My first impression upon playing them for a bit is that the tenor drone seems very overpowering, just with where it lies so close to my right ear. So much so that it's hard to hear the low A from the chanter even. This isn't noticeable in any recordings I've heard as the mic is set back for a more balanced sound from the chanter and drones. I'm just wondering if this is something that you've experienced too, and if you might have any tips on how to hear a more balanced sound when playing? Also, is this just something to expect from all "across the chest" type smallpipe drone setups? Cheers.
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
It is a general issue with "across the chest" smallpipes, though you may try switch the reeds in the tenor drone and the chanter. Sometimes one reed is quite a bit louder than the others, and I'll often use that in the chanter so it cuts through a bit more. But from the player's perspective, it's always quite drone dominate (help you hear if they're unsteady though!)
@dougb99763 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks for the tip. I will try different reed arrangements to see which I prefer. I'm hoping that when I move up to a full smallpipe, the chanter will have a bit more bite than the PC of the practice pipes and this will be a non-issue. You are spot on with the drone steadiness - there is a fine line on this set between getting a good tone and cutting out the chanter. Having only played GHB before, I'm getting a lot of cut-outs from overblowing. As you say, these pipes are great for practicing holding a constant pressure right in the sweet spot.
@leesmith72783 жыл бұрын
@@dougb9976 not quite sure if this was the right thing to do, ( Matt can be the judge here ;) ) but i had the same problem and overcame it by replacing the Hardie chanter with my Maverick PC, which appears to be slightly louder
@dougb99763 жыл бұрын
@@leesmith7278 That's a cool idea! I've been eyeing those Maverick chanters anyway, and you can never have enough piping gear:) I'm also planning on ordering a few different reed brands to try out. Since my first post I've tried Matt's suggestion of switching the reeds, I also turned the drone set in the stock so that the bass is "up" and tenor "down" and also try to play with the drones a bit lower across the chest. Small improvements in each case but they're adding up. Fun to get back into wrangling a real bag after being fully digital for so long! Thanks Matt for the inspiration!
@jeffreysturgill76689 ай бұрын
Thanks so much, I love the easy listening and sweet sounds of the small pipes, while the war pipes can be a bit harsh and too piercing. I'm really hoping this time around I can really learn how to play my shuttle pipes
@chrismills20123 ай бұрын
I love the smallpipes as well, not just because of the sound they produce, but because of how small they are as well. The D smallpipes are so small
@genevievegauthier78347 ай бұрын
Hello Matt ! My twist-trap is just arrived yesterday. I'm happy to find your video, I will test your tips about according the drones without the bag. This one empties itself immediately when the drones began to "moo" like a suffering animal. And my arm seems too short to catch the chanter ! It's a long way to twist-traping....
@MattWillisBagpiper7 ай бұрын
I'd make sure the valve is correctly seated below the blowpipe More on how to get to the valve here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6ewm56dabGGd9E
@genevievegauthier78347 ай бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank you Matt for you rapid answer ! I've tested the valve in inspire-expire, it goes on. I can't take it off its place, the piece doesn't unscrew. I think I am going to be very busy with my TT.... (sigh)
@MattWillisBagpiper7 ай бұрын
The blowpipe stock does indeed unscrew to reveal the flapper valve, though finding the exact place it comes undone can be difficult. But Hardie has not changed the design, so I know the valve is there...
@daviddebroux47083 жыл бұрын
"Hot take" You forgot the sunglasses and the pickup truck.
@justinstradling1493 жыл бұрын
Great info I have the maclellan studio pipes and can never seem to get em in tune
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
Did this video help you get your studio pipes in tune?
@justinstradling1493 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper the video will be very helpful next time I break out the studio pipes. What would be a good tuner to use for the smallpipes?
@nasemmazahreh86602 жыл бұрын
Hi Matt, I very much enjoy your video, sometimes my mouth gets so tired that I can't bring my lips to come together to fill bag with air, all the air kind goes around mouthpiece, I must admit I don't practice often, is that why? This happens while I am still tuning the drones after switching and fixing reeds. Is there a way, to overcome it? Or what would you suggest besides practice, practice and practice? Thanks..
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
Daily practice I feel is key to building the needed face muscles. That said, try fitting your mouthpiece with one of these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWGcm6mloZV-fdk It's a flat mouthpiece that can really help.
@hydrophonics4203 жыл бұрын
1st-Matt thank you so much for all the amazing videos!! 2nd- For anyone who has any input. I enjoy playing the tune The Campbells Are Coming but i'm part of the MacDonald clan. Is this sacrilegious?
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoy the videos! 242 videos as of today (with 243 coming out tomorrow!). As for playing that tune, um... I'll let others answer. ;)
@wiperpaul3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the vid Matt, the loudness of my Practice Chanter even is a bit of an issue with my neighbors. I have really been considering the Blair digital chanter... but now wonder if Smallpipes are more of an important next step.
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
What brand practice chanter do you own? The twist-trap pipes are rather quite, quieter than many PCs out there.
@wiperpaul3 жыл бұрын
I own a McCallum PC6 Standard Blackwood
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
That's probably of comparable volume to the twist-trap pipes.
@jesspijak2 жыл бұрын
Why do you recommend playing an E for the blowing exercise? I am getting a terrible high pitched squawk when the bag starts to deflate when only playing an E and I’m trying to figure out what it is that’s causing that. Have you also done a follow-up to this video? Thanks so much for all the instruction Matt, you are such an incredible teacher!
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
A properly blown/squoze E is the pressure one should be maintaining at all time. If it's starting to squawk on you, try increasing the squeezing pressure and backing that up with more air. No follow up per se on this video, though I have started my series on transitioning to the highland pipes. Hope this helps!
@brianburdette22833 жыл бұрын
I usually have to sit down to play my Gibsons. Just because the difference in pressure.
@Colorado4x43 жыл бұрын
Are yours firesides or the smallpipes? I’m having a heck of a time with getting the rig positioning with the bag under the arm and the drones over the chest and the chanter seems super low
@johnyoung5064 Жыл бұрын
Good morning Matt, I just got my Hardie practice pipes, thank you for recommending them. I'm sure you have answered this question already but I can't seem to find it. My drones are so loud that I can barely hear my chanter. What can I do to get this more in balance?
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
I try to find the loudest of the three reeds and put it in the chanter... But from the players perspective, it's a rather drone dominate sound, given all three pipes are powered by the same type of reed.
@TheDrkstr652 жыл бұрын
Hey Matt,that was a cool set. Where can I buy one?
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
The twist-trap sets are available pretty much everywhere these days. I got mine through Lone Star Piper.
@joevirnig80573 жыл бұрын
Hey Matt - curious if you have pros/cons between the McCallum Folk Pipes vs. Gibson Fireside pipes as the middle step between practice chanter and GHB. Also, with the Gibson Fireside pipes available in A and B-flat is there a benefit in getting a certain pitch besides "playing nice with others"? - Thanx!
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
I don't have much experience with Gibson fireside pipes... B-flat will have closer finger spacing. A plays better with others (as you pointed out) but the holes will be a bit further apart. In any case either folk pipes or firesides would be a great choice as an intermediary instrument between chanter and pipes.
@joevirnig80573 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanx for the quick response! If I saw the replacement reeds correctly, it looks like the Firesides use chanter reeds for the drones (like your practice pipes) instead of drone reeds like the Folk pipes. Is there a benefit to using drone reeds in the small pipes?
@sweetscience78172 жыл бұрын
Hi Matt! And do I have to take the reed out of the chanter at the end of the day? If yes, does this mean that I have to tune it prior every session?
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
I take the chanter out of the stock to dry, but rarely do I feel the reed out. You can always mark it at the base of the reed where it meets the chanter body with a small piece of tape to give you a pretty accurate guide as to how deep it should be seated.
@sweetscience78172 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Matt, what if Low G is so sharp that I almost have to cover 80% of both holes to get it in tune? Is this a right approach (keeping in mind your recommendation not to cover more than 1/3 of a hole) or there is something else which can be done to tackle this?
@deanmaltsberger14262 жыл бұрын
Can you tell me more about your tablet tuner / metronome
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emG3m52ngLdripY (for smallpipes set to 220 instead of 480ish)
@okwhatever2995 Жыл бұрын
What kind of drone reeds are those because they come with the same reed as the chanter?
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
In the twist-trap practice pipes, they are red Frazer practice reeds
@waynedavis81295 ай бұрын
Hi Matt, question…I have a set of mouth blown Walsh small pipes. How long should the bag last? I know the great highland pipes require a new bag periodically.
@MattWillisBagpiper5 ай бұрын
A long time... But it depends on the PH of your breath. Could be 3 years. Could be 10. When it starts leaking, time to replace.
@sarahkneier40373 жыл бұрын
So for tuning: Twist Trap Practice Pipes Chanter low A= 440 Tenor drone plays A=440 Bass Drone plays A= 220? And for comparison, on the GHB Chanter low A = A at what frequency? The tenors are A? at what frequency ? And Bass is A? at what frequency? Thank you.
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
For the twist trap pipes: Low A & tenor = 220Hz (octave below 440) Bass = 110Hz Highland pipes are more variable, but something around: Low A = 480Hz Tenors = 240Hz Bass = 120Hz
@sarahkneier40373 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks! I appreciate the info.
@ntg20bm Жыл бұрын
Would it be best to get a practice goose or start with the highland pipes plugged?
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
As shown in this video, I recommend a mouth-blown smallpipes instead of a goose or plugged highland pipes.
@Allentaorluath3 жыл бұрын
lol I squishe my bag like a toy soldier with my right arm. Actually I am right handed when I swing around a pen in my hand. But I can not play the pipes on the right side, so that's why I am playing left handed, and don't know why.
@piperwalton Жыл бұрын
Hey Matt, question: I've had a set of Dunfion smallpipes for 15 years, and I've always had a frustrating problem with them. I'm a pretty wet blower, and that moisture seems to get on the flapper valve very quickly, which causes a seal to form between it and the blowpipe, which I have to blow harder to break. Of course this causes some very obviously unstable pressure. I have to take the blow pipe out and wipe away the moisture every few minutes. Any tips on how to fix this?
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
I’d make sure it’s clean. Flappers typically stick when their dirty. Carefully wipe the valve and base of the blow with a Qtip with some isopropyl alcohol on it and see if it helps.
@piperwalton Жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks, I'll give that a try.
@kimberleyguilmette761 Жыл бұрын
I’m getting ready to purchase either practice pipes? small pipes? shuttle pipes? my PC is a Walsh, and I live in Canada, but I’m not sure which to order. I don’t have a budget that will allow multiple purchases, would the McCallum folk pipes be “better” or Walsh small pipes? any help would be appreciated. I may never get to Highland pipes, so would the folk pipes be a better long term investment? I’m playing mostly for myself….thanks! this was very informative as are all your videos!
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
Both the Walsh pipes and the McCallum folk pipes are great instruments. The McCallum folk pipes have a cane chanter reed, necessitating a full moisture control system inside, which will occasionally need to be maintained (desiccant removed and dried in an oven), whereas the Walsh ones are lower maintenance (plastic chanter reed, so no need for moisture control).
@kimberleyguilmette761 Жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks so much! Your videos and instruction are fantastic, I’m learning lots & feeling inspired & appreciate that you answered my question🙏
@kimberleyguilmette761 Жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper one more question if I may? how do you decide between key of A or B flat?? I’m currently playing alone (so key of B flat was suggested) but once I get better I may want to join others (key of A was suggested/). your thoughts
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
@@kimberleyguilmette761 If you think you might want to perform with other (non-bagpipe) musicians, I'd go with A. Far more useful.
@kimberleyguilmette761 Жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper thanks so much!
@barthunter6352 жыл бұрын
Matt are these pipes a good transition for kids to go from chanter to pipes?
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
Depends on the age of the child/size of their hands. If under 11 or very small in stature, you'd need the junior model of these twist trap pipes. But yes, they are a great transition instrument.
@RunePipes2 жыл бұрын
Hi Matt - I noticed that you have a rubber band around your bass dron reed - can you please tell us why have you decided to put it on there? Regards, Robert.
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
I put them on to have them take a bit less pressure. The higher the band goes, the less air the reed takes. Not really needed on this set, but I'm super picky about balancing my drones air flow.
@Ealasaid20 Жыл бұрын
How does the force of breath compare to ghb? I have played ghb since I was 14, but took a long break after having babies. I now have some health issues that prevent me from blowing with the amount pressure necessary for the ghb but I'm really missing it.
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
Smallpipes take much less air. More like a practice chanter.
@kimberleyguilmette761 Жыл бұрын
I’m about to unleash my drones on my small pipes, well I have the tenor & bass open already, struggling to tune them ‘properly” can you use the braw tuner on smallpipes as it says GHP only/? I’m currently just using my “ear’ to tune to A. They’re the J Walsh smallpipes in A/E. I confess the drone tuning is the hardest thing & Im wondering if there is a “tool” to help. I don’t have an instructor, the local pipe band is not interested unless I want to learn GHP and, at this point that is not what I want. Just thought I’d ask, I watched this for my transition from pc to my pipes & it was of tremendous value; but my drones are sealed in the bag so I can’t tune it this way🙁
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
If you set the Braw tuner to around 220 (the frequency of the low A on the Shuttle pipes, or pretty close), you can use the Brawtuner for the chanter. It's a bit tough for the drones however,a nd it does not have a setting for the baritone. The shuttle pipes drones are a bit trickier to tune. I'd just keep moving the tuning slide on the tenor (highest pitched drone) very very little at a time until it sounds like one against the low A, then move onto the bass until it sounds like one with the tenor drone, and finally, slowly move the E baritone until is sound as nice as you can make it.
@em.1423 жыл бұрын
Matt, I’m interested as to your thoughts here. I’ve never had a “practice pipe” or “kitchen pipe” but it seems to me like they’re just a really cheap smallpipe with a nasal practice chanter tone. Would you tend to agree, or do you think that practice pipes have a use greater than just being the poor man’s smallpipe?
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
Well, I wouldn't say "really cheap" though they do tend to be less expensive than wooden smallpipes and have a quieter, thinner tone. As stated in the video, I classify "practice pipes" as those with practice chanter reeds for the drones. They may be a bit thinner in tone, but the benefit is they tend to stay in tune with the chanter. As they all warm up together and are the same construction (double reeds of the same length), they don't tend to drift as much as regular smallpipes with single reed drone reeds.
@lemim1982 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. Have you ever had the problem, that the bass drone ist not long enough? I have to pull out so far that it nearly falls of…
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
Oh yes. Have you tried adding hemp to the reed ot have it sit further out in the reed seat?
@BruceKort2 жыл бұрын
Hey matt, i have aquestion for you. With the mccallum folkpipes, my low g is tuned WAY to high while the rest is in tune. what do i need te do?
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
Hello! I find both low and high G's on the smallpipes tend to tune sharper than the highland pipes. When I get my smallpipes G's fully in tune (with highland bagpipe temperament), I find they tend to sound flat and off. This is a place I use my ear. If the low G does need tuning, you can use the whole on both sides below the pinkie hole.
@jeremyrusu96877 ай бұрын
It's interesting you say that, because I found myself naturally doing the same thing with my small pipes set up, making some notes particularly the G, head towards equal temperament but not quite arriving there but yet in a tasteful place. I listen to the violinist I often play with Who tend to very their temperament in a natural way as they play, and that along with the tasteful sounds of the pipes themselves has told me where to put those notes. I've been experimenting with that very thing lately, flattening my F for example more towards just nation but not quite going all the way There but more of a compromise between the two. On the Highland spipes I tend to leave them more true although still maybe just ever so slightly compromised enough so that you still maintain a lot of the character of the pipes that you don't want to lose, it is a slippery slope though.
@brianbyrnell3254 Жыл бұрын
What is the name of that tuning app? I have a set of Walsh small pipes I’m tuning by ear.
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
That's the Braw Bagpipe Tuner
@nypyper2 жыл бұрын
Matt, is there a big difference in the sound between the cane and plastic chanter reed? I want to try a cane but the price is too steep if the sound is too similar.
@MattWillisBagpiper2 жыл бұрын
For smallpipes? Cane is better but needs thorough moisture control (like the McCallum folk pipes or Morrison mouthblown smallpipes). Most all other mouthblown smallpipes have plastic reeds to avoid being damaged by moisture.
@nypyper2 жыл бұрын
@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank you.
@jeremyrusu96877 ай бұрын
I am glad I saw this reply, as I once thought of ordering a Kane Reed to use in my Piper choice small pipes just to try it out. Mine does not have a moisture control system in it though so this would not work. This begs the question though, why do Highland reads like and even thrive on a little bit of moisture? Interesting mystery.
@itsmekory7907 Жыл бұрын
Is there a easy way to read and remember music notes
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
It’s not a fun answer, but repetition and not writing the note names in. And being patient with yourself. It’s reading a new language after all. Best of luck!
@katec8726 Жыл бұрын
I’ve just moved from chanter to highland pipe blowing. I wonder if I just don’t have the lung capacity, I just can’t seem to keep the pressure up.
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
Did you try a set of practice pipes (as discussed in this video)? I think going straight from the chanter to the full highland pipes is too big a jump for many folks. In any case, here is a video to make sure your highland pipes are set up properly for yoru blowing strength: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onPSpYmdibx8htU
@jeremyrusu96877 ай бұрын
Don't be discouraged with the Highland pipes, if you have a nice easy chanter Reed, that still sounds good and has a good tone, and set up your drones accordingly as Matt shows in his videos, you can make quite an easy bagpipe, I am definitely a testament to that. I would say I am writing on the edge of acceptability though lol But I feel like I still get a good tone without playing a gut busting Reed lol. Small pipes are just as awesome too though and are something I also play regularly when I play bagpipe instruments
@philipmarote84773 жыл бұрын
Have you stopped providing sheet music, for the tunes that you play?
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
Depends on the tune. A lot of my older arrangements are for sale on my website. Some of my newer tunes I've included free PDFs.
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
I always include a free MP3 though!
@alfredbackhus61105 ай бұрын
The tenor drone on the simple mouthblown pipes you have here is just too loud. I can't understand why they went for practice chanter reeds. This does not work very well if the drones are as high as the chanter.
@highlandspiper8838 Жыл бұрын
Cant get my chanter that came with pipes to tune at all set at 220 on braw went through all 3 reeds that came with pipes they were all all over the place nowhere near in tune, tried all 3 reeds. Drones would tune but not a chance with chamter, Even ordered 3 more red fraser reeds- still wont tune.Some of the reeds even have a have a raspy blown out sound at f and H G,sometimes H A as well. Im about to see the tings as junk to be honest Ive had a horrible experience with them. Glad others have had good luck....
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
It sounds like you need to get with a pipe instructor to have them set up. They I’ve had many, many sets described as yours, and when I set them up, they work fine. I have yet to see a set that wasn’t able to be made playable. I’m not saying it’s your fault… but my experience, it tends to be a combination of instability in blowing pressure, and overblowing. It’s also of course possible you got a dud. Bad sets make it out from every manufacturer occasionally.
@samlipworth2374 Жыл бұрын
What's the tune in the intro?
@MattWillisBagpiper Жыл бұрын
That’s “Crossing the Minch” by Donald MacLeod.
@therealjetlag3 жыл бұрын
I never knew Texas was made of cabbage.
@MattWillisBagpiper3 жыл бұрын
Ha!
@thomaschrisweidner7762 жыл бұрын
A pellet rifle works good on annoying crows
@robertsmith2432 Жыл бұрын
Not sure how I feel about the stabbing yourself in the ribs analogy...I was stabbed there(right side) back in 89. Ruined my day.🤣