Bagpipe Lesson 45: Purchasing Your First Bagpipe (4K)

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

This video was re-uploaded as the original had the audio drop out half way through after uploading for some reason. Cheers!

[@treyb387]

I just had my first chanter lessons last week with a local bagpipe group that does competitions, parades, and events. I had been learning on my own for a month, and my instructor was impressed how much I progressed without any instruction but it was evident I needed help with posture. She immediately corrected it and it helped tremendously and it feels more naturally to play. She also said she will help me whenever I am ready to choose my own set of bagpipes, and they all so traditional highland bagpipes, which is what I wanted anyways. However, this video is excellent and sharing the options, the pros and cons, the reassurance of relying on your instructors, instincts, style, and needs, as well as even flaire but also your limits as a beginner such as a hybrid bag versus a fancier bag. This is a much more sensitive instrument than my guitars that's for sure, but it's evident you want to go with reputable companies and be prepared to spend money when you are ready, but you must invest the hours and days mastering the chanter. The chanter is your best friend, and the piper community has been extraordinary helpful and amazing at promoting this rare instrument to not just survive but those who wish to learn it want to not just play it, but play it extremely well. I cannot wait until I have my first set of excellent bagpipes, but I am even more excited mastering the bagpipes.

[@treyb387]

The bagpipe group I'm in, I'm still on the practice chanter, is awesome and provides me lessons for free regardless of my commitment to playing with them during parades and competitions, but I am 110% committed to performing with them in the future. I mentioned the new pipes I found, but both of my instructors suggested used pipes because in one of their words "there are so many phenomenal pipes that are used and sound fantastic that just need to find someone to play them and put life back into them" (I'm paraphrasing). Now I'm checking out used pipes for my future, and one of my instructors would negotiate the sale for me and inspection to make sure there are no hidden issues before I go through my purchase, so I am excited. But I 100% agree with Matt, I'm buying a brand new bag (hybrid for sure, extra small extended), it's just gross using a used one and I don't want to risk anything getting into my lungs that are not necessary.

[@RichardDCook]

At 24:46 it's so true. I was in a band that suddenly dictated that we all get Ross plain Gore-Tex bags and, after 30 years of playing, I had to re-learn how to strike in and cut off the pipes. Both of these operations required a much higher degree of finesse and skill with the plain Gore-Tex bag. I really like the plain Gannaway bag (no grommets no zip) for comfort, moisture control, ease of strike-ins and cut-offs, ease of maintenance, and reliability. (I've seen too many grommets and zippers simply fall off.)

[@MacKenziePoet]

Comprehensive, accurate, informative. You've earned a subscriber!

[@captainnibby]

My first and only set of pipes is the McCallum poly pipes (the most basic ones) I bought them when I had the money to buy them and am still (re)learning to use them... sadly bagpipes are a loud instrument and having kids put a damper on my progress for a few years, but my boys are a little older now so I'm getting back to it. And my 7yo shows some interest, so I ordered a cheaper practice chanter for him too... we'll see how that goes, lol.

[@rattttooooo]

How is the practice going?

[@dakotasummers]

I also got McCallum poly pipes. Love them. Super durable, great sound. Looking at getting my first wood set this year. Eyeing the Naill vintage full ivory. Hope your piping is going well! Matt's the man

[@JR-bj3uf]

This is a really great resource. Thanks Matt!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Goetterdaemmerung86]

You are correct that poly pipes expand and contract more than wood. I have an ABW set of Dunbar’s which I love, but I am thinking of getting a Poly pipe as a “backup” set where I can play them in the “elements” or can do some traveling with.

[@jazzman1626]

I remember in the 1970s, before I had my own set of pipes, I had a loan of a set from the band. I don’t know who the maker was. I was reminded of them when you showed the flat-combed pipe. They were Blackwood mounted with nickel ferules, one of which was missing from the end tenor drone top and pumpkin coloured imitation ivory ring caps. I was just learning to tune my drones and they were easier to tune than pipes I’ve played since. Terrific robust and steady when the Pipe Major tuned them for me. I wish I still had them.

[@Goetterdaemmerung86]

Hmmm, could they have been a set of Sinclair pipes? A shot in the dark I know, but I’m just speculating as Sinclair made many flat combed pipes, and they also have spectacular tone. Could’ve been Hardie’s too

[@jazzman1626]

@@Goetterdaemmerung86 Either one is possible. I like to think they were Sinclair pipes.

[@swanstarlove4320]

Thanks for the excellent PDF and video! I also like the bagpipe music between the video sections :)

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you liked it!

[@JR-bj3uf]

I started on a pure synthetic bag. I look back on it now in horror. It was like striking in a beach ball in comparison to the hybrid bag. Lots of great info here. Good Job Matt!

[@mikemakesmusic7]

Lol is that a “the Licc” t-shirt? Love me some Adam Neely. We should get him to do a video on piping!

[@RichardDCook]

At 28:50 folks should be aware that Gannaway bags have their lengths labelled differently than most makers, for example their "Extended Medium" at 28 inches is actually SHORTER than the (non-extended) Begg Standard and the (non-extended) Begg Medium which are both 29 inches.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Very true

[@rhysthompson9586]

Awesome. I'm going to try and save up for a set of Duncan MacRae SL4 pipes

[@johnbonner4430]

Great information Matt! A note about the various models from manufacturers. When I was shopping for my set I emailed the manufacturer and asked if there was a difference, other than aesthetics, between their various models. My concern was about the quality of the wood used in the higher end versus the lower end pipes. Their reply was the only difference is aesthetics. I don't know if that's the case with all manufacturers though. Great advice on bag size and blow pipe selection too. I'm 6'2" and went with a medium bag and 11" blow pipe. I have read some people suggest going with the next size smaller bag because it's easier to refill the bag while playing. Whether this is true or not I don't know. The instrument should be comfortable under the arm. I may try a smaller bag and see if there is a difference I can discern in my playing. I think proper breathing technique would negate any difference I may find other than left hand reach. Again, great information. Keep up the great work.

[@1humac]

At a recent piping course we had a session with a pipemaker (one of the major brands but should remain nameless I think). We asked if there was any difference between his cheapest set and the most expensive. He said no, they make the wooden parts in batches so the wood in the set costing many thousands is exactly the same as in their cheapest entry model. The money is in the material used for the mounts. Whether the silver, boxwood etc makes a difference to the sound is a whole new debate.

[@erikbrazzale6983]

My first set was a 1950 grainier and Campbell Blackwood set. My second set went to Baghdad with me and are Dunbar poly pipes.

[@gordonpeden6234]

First 2nd hand set Hardies circa 1960 Catalin (Orange Ivory) Son has them now. Nice! Next set new 2007 Hardie/Hendersons Zoomorphic mounts Really Nice. 1982 Warmac blackwood chanters. Also Hardie Blackwood chanter silver sole Birmingham 1967 ... Canmore synthetic bag, NO Driers ...Happy....

[@ian7583]

As usual loads of information to help beginners and I thank u so much 😊 Ian

[@Honkboy9485]

I am a young musician and I’m still using a practice chanter but thank you for this advice. It helped me a lot and most likely a lot others.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad it helped!

[@chriscanfield3761]

I have been on the chanter for along time too.

[@scotthiller2908]

Great video, Matt! Will be ordering pipes from Henderson next week!

[@henrikhjortshj6671]

You are absolutely right, that all the external parts dont have anything to do with the sound. All the metal, engravings or ivory are just for the look and style. BUT if you pick a set of high level pipes, like an AB4 with a ton of great design items, you have to know that the pipemakers pick the top level of the blackwood blocks. So a more expensive set of pipes will also have a far better quality blackwood. But the sound will not be notable influenced buy this, but the look will be far better, with deep black parts, and the chance for cracks is far less. Cheers.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That's a common belief, but I have no reason to believe the makers save the "better wood" for the fancier mounted pipes. A lot of the high level guys these days are going for more plainly mounted pipes...

[@Motormane]

Hey Matt, it would be good if you did a video on buying your second highland bagpipe, things like, what you shouldnt worry about, if it's even worth it, what the next stage of bagpipes are from a base set. I'd definitely be interested in this.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Pretty good idea there. in the meantime, I would say most folks should stick to one bagpipe unless they use their pipes as a source of income, then it might be good to have a backup. Developing your sound on even one instrument is tough, and every bagpipe is its own animal, so I don't recommend most folks having "a stable" of pipes.

[@l0rdcroissant]

so don't practice with the Chanter in an apartment either lol this was awesome for my research

[@amd5617]

Very Informative and unbiased. Thanks!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@piperian3962]

Buy McCallum, they’re the easiest to use and there’s no drawback.

[@henrikhjortshj6671]

Any brand of quality pipes are wurth buying. McCallums are great, I play a set of AB4. But you will never go wrong with any other pipe brand, David Nail, Duncan Soutar, Hendersons, Hardie, Sinclair, Dunbar or Wallace.... they all work great.

[@Tombaz666]

Amazing video. Thank you for all this information!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JR-bj3uf]

I love my Wallace pipes but like an idiot I sold my very first set which were Henderson pipes. I had stopped playing and these were just the subject of heart ache every time I looked at the. I got the Wallace pipes when I started back. I borrower a set of poly pipes (maker unknown) to take with me to Scotland. They were light weight, pretty robust and played like a dream once I went through them with a fine tooth comb. I would like to get my own set of poly pipes for travel or inclement weather play.

[@ericjohnson5665]

Can you go over drone reeds how to make them more efficient.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That's going to be covered in an upcoming video series on drones

[@PaulAnderson-wq1qp]

fantastic work...

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@daviddebroux4708]

42:29 I can just hear the Pipe Majors saying "... *what*?" after that.

[@larixdecidua8099]

Hi Matt, have you ever tried Ross blowpipe valve? It looks being very similar to the Moose valve. I am wondering which one of the two I should order with my set...

[@driesluypaert4147]

Hi Matt, I'm having some trouble finding the right bagsize.. I tried small ext first. But that seemed rather small. Then tried large, that definitely felt too big as it kept sliding down. I'm using medium ext. now. I'm still not 100% comfortable though...with any of these bags I've been able to play. But I can't remember feeling 100% comfortable to play on any. I'm 174cm and on the heavier size. Should I try the small bag again?

[@chancehowes]

Thanks for this mate!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Part 2 comes out tomorrow!

[@chancehowes]

@@MattWillisBagpiper This is very timely, I am about to purchase a set each for me and my 14 year-old son. This video is comprehensive and practical and the PDF checklist is very handy. Looking forward to part 2 before I throw my money down! Chance.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

@@chancehowes Link to the video (premiering at 2pm Central today): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnmmfXyil51mftk

[@lockfordian]

I need a how to choose your 2nd set of pipes video

[@lockfordian]

I bought a pair of my macreas should be here in 2 months.

[@ttbo12]

What are slides for? I notice some set don't have them and some do.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The offer some degree of protection for the tuning pins, but for the most part, they are decorations.

[@jmatt56]

Matt, Lots of information. My opinion for beginners, poly drones, synthetic bag with zipper, basic water trap. After about a year modify to fit you. I agree that polys are sensitive to heat and likely more to moisture. However, if you parade or play a lot ot outdoor events, poly is low maintenance. Personally I play Soutar bagpipes and it matches well with the band. (The major still cringes).

[@64pan]

Do you feel as a beginner trying to learn could be able to learn on a set of McCallum poly Bagpipes?

[@anniedog9512]

Have you reviewed the MacCallum Gandy chanter? I can't find any information on it Thanks.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Not yet... It's a smaller holed chanter kinda like the Infinity by Hardie.

[@JR-bj3uf]

Real Ivory: I would be nervous to travel with ivory mounts.There is paper work that is available to permit ownership of legacy items but this is often poorly understood or ignored. If you find a set of vintage pipes that you love, go for it be be aware of what could happen.

[@RichardDCook]

At 30:40 in my opinion adjustable-length blowpipes are useful for new adult players due to allowing them to experiment, and for youths to allow for growth. What I don't understand is why some experienced players use them- it's not like they're going to have a growth spurt at the age of 40.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I agree, though I suppose if your pipe came with one (like many modern McCallum pipes), you'd have to go out of your way to purchase a fixed-length blowpipe

[@aaronpotter9527]

I would say poly pipes are better for Scotland or cold countries if your not competing in pipe band competition poly pipes are better for piping guests into venues and also piping at other gigs were the sound isn’t as important as the melody

[@emilyterral747]

I just saw some pipes at a local fleamarket for $40. im trying to find out if it might be worth getting.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Without a photo to review, it’s not worth the risk

[@rafaelfernandes2275]

I bought a eBay bagpipe for 100 pounds but i don't know if is good or not i dont know how to play yet

[@rafaelfernandes2275]

​@@MattWillisBagpiperwhat is ur opinion about eBay bagpipe for 100 pounds ?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The eBay $100 pipes are unfortunately unplayable trash. My attempt at making them work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaq4qYmrlNKcqZIsi=d39gvrjjQRTKFzop

[@procall28remedy]

😬😬😬. I just picked a pretty set.. 😬😬😬

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

What did you get?

[@gavincaulk6948]

What are some good bagpipes for a good beginner to ues

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Any pipes by R.G. Hardie, McCallum, Dunbar, Wallace, or Naill would be great. There are other makers too, but the above list gives you a lot of options.

[@guywithdogs]

You mention a warranty several times. What things should be covered? How often have you had to make warranty claims on a new set of bagpipes?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I have not had to make a warranty claim... Pipes are pretty tough!

[@matthewdenty7760]

I bought second hand ab with new hybrid bag ... cracks that were invisible till damp lol Second set was second hand poly, and I love them cause of the fact I can't damage them wet or leaving dry for weeks , they are quieter I feel and after finding the bridal spot it's just sliders I play with ..... might just be that I only play them an hour and leave them on my shelf 3 weeks, Reed in a pipers pal and AB chanter My AB pipes do sound better but needs more time after let settle and my ab pipes have a few external cracks that open up when played a hour and close as dry

[@pemacal57]

To my humble and personal opinion, pipes must be new, because you have “to tame” your own horse…it is the same with pipes

[@1humac]

I play a set from the 1880s. Suits me fine. But I'd be very wary about buying an old set unless you know exactly what you're doing.

[@pemacal57]

@@1humac Yes , I agree, of course with your words, but I meant it is better ,for a humble amateur a new set of good brand of Bagpipes, because then you will need "to tame" your bagpipes...as a horse

[@gordonpeden6234]

Damn right Sir!

[@irishakita]

and if you're a new player used pipes that have unseen issues like small holes in the bag can be really discouraging

[@pemacal57]

@@irishakita Good Lord! …because that it is worthy to use new and quality bagpipes.

[@FANTOMMAXX]

If there are no bagpipe teachers in my area how else can I learn to play the pipes besides watching videos?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I do give Skype lessons. You can email me at [e-mail] and I’ll get you the info on pricing and scheduling. 👍

[@masonpeterritchie975]

What are the best bagpipes for a ten year old mason aged 9 almost ten

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Sorry I missed this one! I'd go with a set of McCallum polypenco (plastic) pipes for a young one. Sound great and nearly indestructible!

[@masonpeterritchie975]

Thank you. Went for McCallums in the end. Hes now progressing well with lessons and attending his local pipe band. Exeter Pipes and Drums. Your videos were definitely part of what inspired him and taught him more about it. Thank you.

[@jeremyrusu9687]

Wow that's so grate.

[@wk477]

Environment!?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

??

[@JBrooksNYS]

A fellow Adam Neely fan I see...

[@gapdragon01]

Are you referring to the t-shirt??? I don't think I would have caught that without this comment. Well done.

[@gapdragon01]

@Chocolate Hat Funny thing: you can play the lick (licc??) on pipes. Starts on B.

[@JBrooksNYS]

@Chocolate Hat Bagpiper, smallpiper, Uilleann piper, guitarist, pianist, drummer and all around music enthusiast here. lol

[@raedalarjan3513]

كم جميل امنيت حياتي ان املك واحده