Intro to My Fred Morrison A/D Combo Smallpipes

In May 2021 I received my new set of Fred Morrison A/D Combination Smallpipes, so in this video I tell about them and give a couple of brief demonstrations of how they sound in both keys. This is a very high quality bagpipe resulting from the collaboration of Fred Morrison and McCallum Bagpipes. The bag and bellows are fully interchangeable with the Fred Morrison Reelpipes, featured in another of my videos. Thanks for watching, and feel free to comment or ask questions!

[@mccypr]

Thanks! 😎

[@maryannkolmer2380]

Excellent explanation Dave and I thoroughly enjoyed your playing with each of the A and the D smallpipes!! Awesome Demo! And you are so handsome as well!! Thank you, Dave Kolmer!!

[@skirlofthepipes]

Thanks Mom! It's a real joy to play and share this instrument, and I have YOU and Dad to thank for letting me get started with bagpiping so many years ago...thank you! Love you Mom!

[@catbogie3629]

Hello, this video is so good for me. It was very helpful. Thank you for introducing and nice playing about Fred Morrison Small Pipes A/D

[@skirlofthepipes]

Hello Cat, thank you so much for your kind comment and taking time to write! I'm so glad the video has been helpful and hopefully inspiring to you. I probably should've played more and talked less, but I'm not real experienced with videos! Should you decide to buy a set of these smallpipes, don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance. Very best regards, Dave

[@catbogie3629]

@@skirlofthepipes Hi Mr Dave Kilmer, Thank you so much for your gently reply to me. I’m so glad and heartening. I couldn’t still get the Fred Morrison Smallpipes A/D, but I will definitely get it at someday. I wish you has been enjoy the music and have a nice everyday! Best regards

[@brandontheblinddude5302]

I bought a set of these pipes a bit over a year ago. Best Smallpipes I’ve ever played.

[@skirlofthepipes]

Yes! Me too, Brandon, such a joy to play them!

[@brandontheblinddude5302]

@@skirlofthepipes are you still using the original reeds or did you replace them

[@skirlofthepipes]

@@brandontheblinddude5302 I'm still using the original that came with the set; however, I also went ahead and order two extra for both the A and D chanters to have as spares. But the ones they were set up with are doing great even after two years...that's the advantage of bellows over mouth-blown...the reeds can last much longer! The EZ-Drone reeds in the drones have been fine too, no issues. How about you?

[@brandontheblinddude5302]

@@skirlofthepipes I had to replace the reed in the A baritone/D bass cause I had some issues with it, however I’m still using the original reeds in the rest of the drones as well as the chanters. I’m quite new to bellows so I’m still trying to figure things out.

[@skirlofthepipes]

@@brandontheblinddude5302 I too was new to bellows when I bought the Reelpipes a year before I bought the Smallpipes. That's GREAT that you are learning this new skill! It gets easier with practice over time, as with all things, and you'll soon get to the point where it all feels second-nature. One thing I did after this video was replace the leather torso strap with a nylon one with quick-release clasp, like on soft luggage. Makes it a lot easier to put on and remove! I'm glad to hear from you, hope the video was helpful, and I'd be glad to help if you ever need any. I'm in a local celtic band here in Richmond called "Albafeire," and we're on FB and IG if you'd like to follow us. And if you're ever in Richmond let me know and we'll have a jam session! : )

[@Pteromandias]

Video starts at 10:44 You're welcome

[@lochlainnmacneill2870]

very nice.

[@skirlofthepipes]

Thank you Lochlainn, these are a real joy to play, and gradually I'm getting better and the bellows are becoming "second-nature." I hope this video was helpful to you!

[@andrewberry9356]

A wee story Dave - BREABACH (your first tune Lament for the Water Horse) I regularly caught up with Patsy the fiddle player who plays on the albumt a nicer lassie you will toil to meet!!

[@skirlofthepipes]

Hey Andrew, I just checked out their website and see they performed at Celtic Connections last year and they sound great! Awesome musicians all! I see they're based in Glasgow now. I'm friends with a radio host named Fiona McNeill...she does a Tuesday show called "Celtic & Folk Fusions" and sometimes interviews performers. Her show is carried on several stations including Celtic Music Radio, and Dunoon Community Radio. I listen to her via the TuneIn app, you should check it out. Think Breabach might be interested in an interview someday? Maybe between you and me we could put them in touch with each other?