Twist Trap Practice Pipes by R.G. Hardie & Co. (HD) | Unboxing & Review

Full unboxing, setup & review of the popular R.G. Hardie & Co. Twist Trap Practice Pipes! Matt Willis Bagpiper details all the ins and outs of this fantastic little instrument. Highly recommended for pipers of all levels, but especially beginners.
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[@puffin408]

Your video has helped me so much. I have had my practise pipes for a year and love them. With your help and the Peterson tuner they now sound amazing. I wrote Mr Dunn and told him helpful your video was to me. thank you.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad to help!

[@PYbootlegs]

Good video! I started to learn GHP 25 ago for 2 two years and gave up. Many times I've wanted to start learning again but without any motivation. Few time ago someone gave me his practice pipe Hardie&co and since then I PRATICE EVERY SINGLE DAY WITH A LOT OF PLEASURE !!! As you said, it's very good to learn how to blow precisely before passing to the GHP.

[@FoxMulder-d6n]

Thanks for the review Matt. I bought a set as a transition from a practice chanter and love them! They make me want to play every day!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you like them!

[@duncanmclachlan9919]

Hi Matt, thanks for doing a review on these. There aren't many decent reviews out there on youtube. I found it very helpful and i think you have convinced me to get a set of my own. Please do more videos with the twist trap practice pipes🙏 the drones add a beautiful addition compared to just the chanter. Keep up the amazing content. Greetings from South Africa by the way🤙🏼

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You're welcome! There will definitely be more videos with my on the twist trap pipes. Also, I played with a number of great South African pipers when my last pipe band, Silver Thistle Pipes & Drums, went to Scotland (we borrowed some great talent to build our ranks for the world championships).

[@duncanmclachlan9919]

@@MattWillisBagpiperGood to hear more will be coming. Thats awesome that you played with South africans. Ive only been playing for about a year and a half but ive loved every moment of it👍🏼

[@jean_enzo_xxx_du_2812]

Ah yes, wholsomness

[@johnnickpappanastos3382]

Great video and demo Matt! Has a very sweet and calming tone to it. I can also see how this would have made for a far less daunting jump to the GHB.. Particularly found the reed selection and tuning part helpful. Even after years, I still find reeding/tuning to be among the more difficult aspects of the instrument. Would love to see a dedicated video to reed adjusting and chanter taping :)

[@thivan2000]

Matt, I learn a lot just by watching you doing stuff here... many thanks!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Goetterdaemmerung86]

I got them a few weeks ago, they came without a valve unfortunately so I ordered some and had to wait for them to come it, once they came I put one in and have been playing. Couldn't be happier with them, they are super fun to play.

[@joshuaclabeaux1470]

Wow! I LOVE the Scottish Smallpipes and your demonstration convinced me that this would be the best model for me if I were ever to get a set. The ease of accessibility and lower volume are just right for me who loves to hear bagpipes and other instruments playing together. The built-in drying mechanism makes them easier to maintain. They do seem a bit difficult to tune, but that's true of EVERY bagpipe EVER MADE; bagpipes are just one of those instruments like guitar or violin that require frequent tuning. Overall, LOVE the video, great model for practice, ESPECIALLY if you like the Scottish Smallpipes.

[@LesliePiper]

Really interesting and will consider. getting my own.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you enjoyed! They really are a super fun instrument to play.

[@theslayeryt9863]

Oh I used to have the R.G Hardie twist trap pipes

[@catsmom72]

These play nicely with my A whistle, thank you! 😊👍

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Wonderful!

[@christiantoll494]

Beautiful sounding set, wish I could afford em !

[@jensmacgillivray6328]

Very nice set, it’ll make a fine addition to my collection.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It's super fun to play. Great fro breaking out for a wee tunes or three with some friends.

[@tylerdowiebagpiper8065]

its amazing how much these sound like a baby set of smallpipes. great video once again mate

[@steveburton2410]

Eyeing a set of these on a popular auction site... You have convinced me I actually better get them!

[@kylewallis795]

Thanks for sharing I have been looking for a good review about these pipes for ages. Ps love all your fantastic vids your really amazing piper love from Kilmarnock Scotland

[@kylewallis795]

Oh I’m also a piper hehe

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I appreciate that! I have wondered if anyone over in Scotland had seen any of my videos. And moreover, what you all think of some American guy talking about bagpipes!

[@kylewallis795]

I mate quite a few folk that I know watch your channel and there all from Scotland actually it’s one of the go to channels regarding bagpipes I will try my very best to share this channel. Thanks again for uploading

[@ianlothian320]

Hi Matt, I just bought a set and your video is super-helpful. I really enjoy your channel - greatr work. All the best from New Zealand

[@liammartinez4687]

I ordered a set for christmas and came early, I’m dying to use them

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Do you have to wait for Xmas?

[@liammartinez4687]

@@MattWillisBagpiper it was the aim to have as a christmas present but as Rg Hardie said 4-6 weeks availability i thought it would have been here after christmas, but came a month early than expected

[@lairdsky4604]

Thanks heartily for the post.

[@sethwarner644]

I think I might get this, thank you very much for the review

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It's a great learning tool and sounds great (once you'e sorted the blowing and tuning of course!)

[@davidacarter2153]

YOU MADE ME DO IT ... Ha Ha Ha ... Looooooooooong ago (70's 80's) I played a bit but due to life changes that ended. THEN .. they grew feet and walked away :-( I would have given anything to see there face when they opened that hard case up !! I'm now almost 75 and have decided to give it another go. In another 4 or 5 days Twist Trap Practice Pipes should be here ... Yaaaaaa Apartment living and a tad older I thought this set of pipes would be the best !! Wish Me Luck !!! :-)

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hope you enjoy these wee pipes!

[@davidacarter2153]

@@MattWillisBagpiper They came in yesterday ... Yaaaaaaa and the brown cover was black. Time to set up practice time and get started with the chanter part !!

[@n9sferatu261]

I'm going to get these on kilts and more I love that water trap

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The twist trap is pretty cool. Really keeps a ton of moisture from getting into the bag.

[@loops4860]

I'm really enjoying the set I got. I did have an issue where there was a plastic burr partially obstructing the mouthpiece about halfway down the tube but it was easily fixed with a thin knife. The intonation is really nice. It's made getting started with the pipes super easy.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you were able to fix the burr and have been enjoying the pipes!

[@Bhagsy]

Mine came a little over a week ago and I really like them.

[@ianreid8899]

I have had a set for quite some time. I use them to extend my practise schedule and to work on my steady blowing technique. They are a great transition instrument for learners. In Australia, they are available from the shop with a door, St Kilda Trading at Booval, Ipswich. I thoroughly recommend the product to both Beginners and Advanced Pipers, They have a great sound and make good 'Parlour Music'.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I agree, pipers of all level could benefit from a set of these, especially with the steadiness required to blow them properly. Cheers!

[@KENAVLOG]

Great video, thank you ! Nice interpretation of Hector the Hero ! Cheers from Bretagne

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RunePipes]

Hello Matt - Is it possible for you to make somewhat similar video about McCallum Folkpipes? Not the review (you've got that covered on your channel) but more about setting Folkpipes up with some tips and tricks (taking care of the chanter reed, setting up the drone reeds, do's and dont's etc). I have recently received Folkpipes as a birthday gift and have a lot of problems with drone reeds especially - for example a strange wheezing/buzzing sound on top of a normal sound. Mentioning something about how are they different from Highland pipes in terms of pressure, playing etc will also be very helpful. Some tips on how to determine if reeds are broken or not. Hope you will have time for that - it will certainly help a lot of beginners with our transition to mouth blown pipes!

[@ifiddle2]

Good review and playing. Really liked the way you started from scratch and put them through their paces right out of the box. ;{)

[@cmcer1995]

Thank you for the great video. I have always loved listening to the bagpipes, probably in my blood, being Irish and Scottish. I am seriously considering buying this bagpipe and I think having previously played the clarinet that should help a little too. I did like and subscribed.

[@linguistisch]

Do it, this practice setup is an excellent way to start and super versatile- you'll be able to use it for years after you're on the full pipes. Find a solid teacher.

[@cmcer1995]

@@linguistisch Thanks.

[@suepritchard9287]

I have the standard chanter with the twist trap and it’s a great plus that it’s so low maintenance - I will be progressing to these as I wouldn’t be confident with pipes that needed a lot of maintenance and moisture control systems etc. still I’m a long way off yet, but may get a twist trap goose after Christmas as I can then use the chanter on the bag. I know the sound the chanter makes is mostly dependant on the skill of the player, but I have ordered a maverick chanter as I’m not over keen on the sound of the plastic chanter. The wooden chanter will sound better and will be a boost in the meantime. But I really enjoyed this review and found it useful. Thank you 😊

[@amenophis_factorem]

Dear Mr. Willis, I bought a set of these pipes as my very first set of bagpipes, (much to the dismay of my parents lol, cause they want me to focus on studying here at University) and after a week and a half on the chanter, I pulled apart the practice chanter and stuck it onto the bag. I know that if I had a teacher, I wouldn't be transitioning to using the bag that quickly though. The most difficult thing for me about transitioning from the chanter to these pipes is that I feel like I need to blow less into the bag than I do into the chanter, cause I tune the chanter and drones without the bag, then I put them back on the bag, and I can't figure out what the air pressure was that got all the pipes to play in tune with each other. Also, I wish this came with a little spool of hemp, the bottom two segments of the bass drone are a little loose...otherwise, I have really enjoyed learning bagpipes with these. P.S. I'd be interested to see a detailed review like this one on the $500 delrin GHB by Bagpipes Galore tbh.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The bagpipes galore practice set is not recommended by me...

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

And you can use dental floss (unscented) for loose joints.

[@Goetterdaemmerung86]

Got some on order, as I said before, as much as I love my Blair chanter, the finger-spacing is a good bit tighter than what you would find on a real chanter/PC/smallpipe chanter, also you don't feel any "krack" that a real chanter has, so I am going to also try to use this for practicing, also good to practice pressure/blowing technique too!

[@Teamcurtisbjj]

I think I May have found my new favorite teacher!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thanks! I have lessons on KZbin here: bit.ly/BasicsPipes

[@Teamcurtisbjj]

How may I put a tip in the jar? Do you have an account other than Patreon?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You could do a one time donation through Venmo ( I’m @mattpiper1128 ) or PayPal (I’m [e-mail] there)

[@lorrainehuntsman2725]

Hi Matt i just ordered that from Jeramy in Texas . Thank you for the advise ☺

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

He’s a good guy and glad he could help!

[@paddyoreilly9134]

Just ordered them!

[@freddyquiroga505]

Great review! BTW, I know EJ Jones!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

EJ is a such a cool guy and great piper! Been listening to him for decades now.

[@freddyquiroga505]

@@MattWillisBagpiper I've known him for years. I'm company piper at the Texas Renaissance Festival

[@adambowkett6784]

Hi Matt. Great review, especially as the pipes come with no set up instructions themselves, bit lacking there. I sat down and went through the set up with your review playing and it worked a treat, thank you. Now am playing like mad to rememder all my repertoire for when the band can play again after lockdown. Pipe on brother.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It is rather odd that no instrument I'm aware of comes with instructions... None of the flutes, saxophones, clarinets, violins, or bagpipes have some with instruction. Well, that's not entirely true. The Pakistani pipes I got in 1996 did have instructions, but the instrument was so poorly made, it barely played...

[@alanturnbull5668]

Good video, thanks. I have various pipes, big, small bellows-blown, 3-drone parlour pipes (3-drone w/ tiny tongue reeds), but considering these for my son who doesn't have the strength to play the big pipes. These are a few hundred more than the Pipers' Choice Kitchen Pipes that look very similar... just wondering if anyone has thoughts of one over the other?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

They are extremely similar products. The twist trap chanter in my experience tended to be a bit closer to in tune without tweaking.

[@rogercheeseman]

Got mine today after seeing your video. I have been wanting to learn the pipes since I was 16 years old, Im now nearly 70.What I would like to know is, is the bag meant to deflate as fast as you blow it up. I can hear the air coming out of the chanter stock. The disc at the bottom of the chanter stock has a 5mm (1/4 inch) hole at the bottom. Is there meant to be a non return valve on it. Great videos by the way.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The bag should be deflating quite slowly if all the reeds are in place. Do you have the reeds seated at the top of the chanter and base of each drone? The non-return valve is built into the blowpipe stock.

[@rogercheeseman]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Reeds in place as should be, havent tried to tune it yet. The blowpipe farts when inflating the bag and the drone stock just lets out a continuous hiss.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

There definitely shouldn't be any hiss from the drone stock (I'd check to see if a reed fell out), and it sounds like the internal flapper in the blowpipe stock needs to be reseated if it's "farting" back at you...

[@rogercheeseman]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Yes, reeds are in place where you say and valve in the correct place. Bag is deflating as fast as I can blow into it. Im sending it back to let the shop deal with it.

[@rogercheeseman]

Thanks for all your help.

[@donaxe9246]

Hey Matt I need some new reeds for my Hardie small pipes any recommendation thnx great video

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The twist-trap pipes use Frazer reeds, available at most all bagpipe retailers. Best of luck!

[@atrain9682]

I have always been a fan of the bagpipes. And I always thought that would be fun to play. Do you think these ones would be a good thing to start with.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Very much so! They make a great practice chanter that can be upgraded to a nice quiet practice pipe with drones when ready.

[@atrain9682]

I might look into it.How much do some of these usually cost?

[@lyleDutchangeldragon]

I'm parked Scottish and Irish and I would like to learn some of my heritage by playing bagpipes

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Send me an email at [e-mail] and I'll get you info on lessons. Cheers!

[@antseanbheanbocht4993]

@@MattWillisBagpiper How much were these Matt please, i play uilleann pipes a long time now, would the figering be of benfit if picking up the GHB ? Im decent on the whistle too. Thanks.

[@jodiemartine]

Hi, Loved your vid. I found the R.G. Hardie & Co. twist trap pipes very interesting. I had a look on their site and noticed they are in the key of A. I have a set of small pipes I bought off the internet, I don't know what brand they are but they are in the key of A as well. I have a small hand and there is just no way that I can reach the bottom note the hole is just out of reach of my little finger. Is there anything you can recommend

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Other than stretching your fingers (video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpTCe4KqhN2Kd9U ) there isn't much else that can be done. :( How small are your hands?

[@cbasalt12754]

I have a Bagpipes Galore set of these. Very similar except less expensive.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Well... I owned a set of these (bought in 2001, but they appear to be the same today), and the quality was quite exceedingly poor. The chanter could not be tuned (either through changing reeds or modifying the chanter), the drones sounded overly buzzy, the flapper mechanism was quick to fail, and the bag could not deal with moisture (mine was simply plastic). I cannot recommend the Bagpipes Galore practice pipes.

[@cbasalt12754]

I have to agree with this. I have had a Bahpipes Galore Highland pipe set, but was tired of having to play in a closed garage, especially with the heat of summer arising. I neede something quieter. When I ordered these I expected them to be the same quality of my highland set by them, which have good blowstick valve, excellent drones, and high quality delrin. These also have a superb Tizip Bag. The practice pipes were a cheap cast plastic, with a inflatable mattress type bag. The flapper valve makes a groning sound until fully inflated. But, for under 150 shipped, I can make them work.

[@downunda107]

@@MattWillisBagpiper thankYou Matt for an objective description of Your experience. It is so easy to end up with equipment based on name or ' Hope' that it must be good if $$. I am considering a practice set and although not much value to You, if they are as reasonable as what You unboxed I will be pleased. Kind regards Stephen. australia. and thankYou for the effort You must go to in delivering all of this knowledge. .)

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you found the channel! I’m glad you’re finding it useful. Practice pipes tend to be a little bit more finicky to set up due to their inexpensive nature. The Walsh A2000 or shuttlepipe tend to be a little easier to get going, but they cost significantly more, so…

[@ozziebruce1]

Hi Matt, Thanks for sharing this unboxing and review. I have purchased a set and I am having fun with them. My question is, all 3 practice reeds seem to blow at the same level but when I pop them in, the chanter seems to disappear against the drones. Is there a way to quiet down the 2 drones. Or do I need to find a louder reed for the chanter Thanks Bruce

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That's the downside of their construction. All three reeds are of the same make, so they are all of roughly the same volume, and the drones are simply closer to your ear than the chanter. I suggest going through all three reeds again and seeing if you can find the one that is loudest to put in the chanter, but it's still going to sound a bit lost through the sea of drones, especially if the drones aren't fully in tune. Best of luck!

[@ozziebruce1]

Thanks for the info Matt. I had thought that had set them up or holding them incorrectly. I have used some Abbotts reeds in the chanter with more success. I might try an earplug on the right hand side. Cheers Bruce

[@jacobtaggart8950]

I own a set of these practice pipes from R.G Hardie. I would suggest tuning these at 450hz since 440 makes them out of tune since I use a Korg chromatic tuner. However, I love these because I don’t have to pull out my big pipes and tune. Tuning is simple and easy . I can take these anywhere and not bother anyone too much.

[@thomaschrisweidner776]

A matt have you ever tried a set of Abbot smallpipe reeds or any other smallpipes reeds in A to see if they would give a little more volume or better or louder tuning to the practice chanter and drones. I played a Abbot "A" in a Gibson practice chanter for years and it sounded great. I thought that you had large access to p.c. reeds you might try it or even thought of doing this on the R G. Hardie twist trap practice smallpipes to see if you can get a little more volume or tone out of them

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The only reed that consistency plays in tune on the chanter is the Frazer reed. I can get more volume out of other brands, but the tuning isn't great, so I stick with the Frazers even though the chanter is on the quiet side. As I state in the video, I try to find the loudest of the three reeds (if there's any noticeable difference, as there isn't always) and use it for the chanter....

[@theeccentricadam]

Matt, First I respect your channel a lot and find it very useful as a beginner with about two tunes under my belt. Second, I would love to consider some Skype lessons in the future. Third, I notice that the chanter seems to drown out by the drones. Is this different in person, or would you recommend a different, possibly louder reed?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hello and thank you! I'd be happy to start you on Skype lessons, just send me an email: [e-mail]. As for the twist-trap pipes, all three reeds are of the name make, so the drones tend to be a bit loud compared to the chanter. I've tried louder chanter reeds (like Abbott) but they tend to not tune as well as the supplied red reeds...

[@jshed08]

Most excellent. Thank you. Will be purchasing a set soon to practice them. By the way, what is the tuner app you use please?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thanks! The tuner is iStroboSoft by Peterson. On iOS, there are additional “sweetener” for bagpipe temperament.

[@jshed08]

Thank you. Most grateful.

[@kevinmouncher7497]

Hi Matt. Great video, can you use a pipe chanter instead of the one supplied?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You could change the practice chanter portion with a different practice chanter, but not a pipe chanter. The stock opening is too narrow and the drones would not be heard and shut off when the pipe chanter comes in.

[@masimcox]

As a 61 year old retiree thinking of taking up playing the pipes, would this chanter/practice pipes be a good first investment of or should I just go for a chanter first? if so which one would yo suggest?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

If you are certain you want to invest the time to learn the pipes, it is a very good investment. If you want to give just a practice chanter a whirl for a bit to see if you really want to play, I’d just get a practice chanter. Pretty much any non-Amazon/Pakistani practice chanter will do.

[@masimcox]

@@MattWillisBagpiper thanks Matt, much appreciated

[@ryanscott9776]

Do you have a video on how to setup the tuner I’ve just purchased it?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Use the info from this video, but set the tuner manually to 220 instead of 480(ish)

[@meem9921]

Hi Matt, I've had the twist trap for a few years, a few days ago I replaced the original reeds with new Warnock reeds but I can't set them well... are they special reeds? do I have to buy them again directly from Rg Hardie? Thank you and congratulations for your great work!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

No special reeds (standard red Frazer reeds) but getting the chanter in tune can take some trial and error and a a lot of time...

[@meem9921]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks so much Matt!!

[@werubin1]

Hi Matt. Thanks for this video. I love all your content, so helpful! I have some TTPPs, but I have trouble getting the chanter in tune. I have used the best of three reeds that I have. The bottom hand is in tune, and the top hand is not bad - G sounds good, A is close. But F is very flat. Is there a way to manipulate the reed to only sharpen F? Should I just buy new reeds? A video on manipulating plastic reeds would brilliant. Thanks!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Did you try each of the reeds in the chanter? I try each and use the one that tunes best. If all have a flat F, you could try more reeds or dremeling a bit of the F (the hole below the top pointer finger). Dangerous and scary, but I’ve had a few need some minor tweaking. Unfortunately, you can’t adjust tuning much by manipulating the reed.

[@lwpweb]

hello, i'm in the process to purchase a Hardie bag. In your video with the Hardie you show blowing a clean A.The chanters i have are all around A#. Did you pitched the recording down a half step or is the Hardie blowing really an A.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The long twist trap chanter is pitched lower than many chanters and comes in at concert A

[@lwpweb]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thats nice, concert 'A' much better than 'A#', while sampling in recording studio, and i have a D major scale, i think i will go for it. Thanks for your information.

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Oh these are ace!! Guessing not much puff required? Sound lovely! What was the tune you played seated? Family offered me a set of McCallum small pipes to get back up to speed on post-Cov but would prefer not to have all the pump faff. Need to practice bag pressure control!!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The twist-trap pipes are excellent and quite quiet, which is exactly what some folks are needing. If you wanted a mouth-blown set with a bit more volume (and a shoulder mounted set up), these are great too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWaqq4d-nayIn5o

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

And the tune is "Crossing the Minch" I believe...

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

@@MattWillisBagpiper I was thinking good for getting back up to speed and 440 so can play indoors with the family fiddles as well.

[@Gc91abz]

Great video! How long would you suggest learning the chanter or what level should you get to before learning a set of practice pipes? Thanks!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That's the topic of this week's video! I hope to have the editing done by tomorrow, but if not, it'll be up Friday. Stay tuned!

[@Sheriff3466]

Question regarding your tuner app. I was about to download the Blair bagpipe tuner app and was curious of your thoughts between that and the istrobosoft that you are using. Thanks!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I use the iStroboSoft app for the drones and sometimes the chanter. I mainly use Braw Tuner for the chanter. The Blair app is okay, but I prefer Braw and iStroboSoft.

[@Sheriff3466]

Matt Willis Bagpiper Thanks for taking the time to respond! I’m about to download istrobosoft but I don’t see the world pack as an in-app purchase for the GHB sweetener. I don’t want to pay an additional $50 for all of them to get just one.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You're welcome! The iStroboSoft sweetener pack is only for iOS (in case you have an Android phone). If you do have an iOS device, the name of the sweetener pack is "World" and comes with lots of instruments, including Great Highland Bagpipes. Android phone, I would recommend the Braw Tuner since you can't buy any sweeteners for iStroboSoft through Android/Google Play....

[@Sheriff3466]

Matt Willis Bagpiper iOS here! Thanks, I just didn’t see t available on the App Store under in-app purchase options. Going to download now. Thanks again and I look forward to more of your videos.

[@cambridgebagpipes7511]

Hi Matt, thank you for the video. I've just bought a set... I use a Braw Bagpipe Tuner. Which of the chanter tuning settings would you recommend for the twist traps? GHB Standard, Just Intonation, Seumas MacNeill or Equal Temprament??? Best wishes, James

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I’d use GHB standard. I use iStroboSoft for my smallpipes, so let us know how BrawTuner works on your twist trap pipes!

[@jarcoindustries31]

Love your videos I want to get into playing the bagpipes so what would be a good beginning set? Where could I find some?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Yes, the twist-trap practice pipes would be a great starting instrument. Are you in the states? If so, Jeremy Downs at www.lonestarpiper.com has some of the best prices on them.

[@jarcoindustries31]

@@MattWillisBagpiper yes in Texas found out this year I have a lot of Irish Scottish and welsh ancestors my DNA says I'm 58.9% lol so I've always been into the culture of it but knowing now what I am would like to really learn thanks so much 🙏

[@finkkiller]

Hi Matt, thanks for the review. I would like to buy my first bagpipe, but i dont know what bigpipe should i buy. Is there a cheap and decent bigpipe for beginners? I will travel to ireland soon and i will try to go to scotland too. Greetings from Chile.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Have you started with the practice chanter? The least expensive set of playable highland pipes is still over $800 with the needed supplies, but there is no need for a bagpipe to begin learning. More info on starting here: bit.ly/BasicsPipes

[@driesluypaert4147]

Hi Matt, lovely review once again. I'm considering getting one of these however would like to use the chanter as my main chanter to go to bandpractice with. Is it going to form a problem that this chanter is in A or are all practice chanters in A?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Practice chanters run about 50/50 being close to concert A and the other B-flat... One of the reasons chanter practice at most pipe band rehearsals sounds awful (at least for tuning!)

[@driesluypaert4147]

@@MattWillisBagpiper hi, thanks for the quick reply Matt! You must get loads of these, so really appreciate that! Would you say I'd be alright in a bandpractice with these? Or should I buy an extra practice chanter?

[@tonycloutier9377]

Hey man, great video but wath's the tune your playing at the begening? I tryed shazaming it but i cant find it

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That’s “Crossing the Minch” composed by Donald MacLeod. Great tune!

[@tonycloutier9377]

Thanks!

[@tonycloutier9377]

Oh and while we are here i have smallpipes you could try! The northumbrian smallpipes. These are amazing, Matt, you should try them.

[@LycaonsMemories]

so question, as someone who is looking into starting to learn bagpipes, is it better to start with normal pipes or practice pipes?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I believe a set of smallpipes is best as an interim step between practice chanter and full highland pipes. More info here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoWYm6RogaiCeck

[@aronmihic1164]

Hi Matt I was looking at getting a set of these from Lone Star Piper. You’ve sealed the deal for me. How long did domestic US shipping take? I couldn’t find anything on their site.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I believe Jeremy uses UPS, so whatever the ground time would be. I'm just a few cities away, so I get stuff from him typically in 1-2 days even without rush shipping...

[@nsnightsgt2860]

Excellent video. What is the piece you play before playing Hector the Hero?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thanks! The tune is “Crossing the Minch”

[@nsnightsgt2860]

Matt Willis Bagpiper Thanks very much

[@RunePipes]

Hi Matt - greetings from Poland. I'm a beginner piper and I've currently bought Twist Trap Practice Pipes and I'm using Braw Bagpipe Tuner for them. Recently I realised something - I do not know for sure if I should use equal or just temperament setting on my tuning app for my practice pipes... - Can you please give some advice?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I use the GHB setting (though the Just setting works as well if the high G won't come in with the GHB setting), and manually set the low A to 220 for the Twist Trap pipes. Hope this helps!

[@RunePipes]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank you for advice. Now it's time for me to fix my gracenotes, High G doubling and light d throws... and to look for a teacher I suppose (it's very difficult to find one in Poland). Thanks again and keep making those videos. You've made me believe with your beginner playlist that I can fulfill my dream about learning Great Highland Bagpipes.

[@TheHordeOfPinecrest]

Just a quick question, Matt. Would the stopper on the bass drone work on the tenor drone? As in, buying an additional stopper from R.G Hardie?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It does indeed, but the tenor top doesn't have a pre-turned holder for the rubber bit that holds it on. Not sure that matters. That said, I think at least the tenor should be going at all times to help you hear that your blowing is steady. Without drones, it's hard to know if you really steady or not...

[@alfjohansen2952]

Great Video Matt! Received a set of these today. I Find that the drones are drowning the chanter, i can barely hear it. Also the reed seems to shut down very easily. Even when its set up as a practice chanter the reed shuts down everytime i go from high A to low G. is it something i'm doing wrong?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The chanter shutting down is indeed from overblowing. These pipes take extremely little air and require extremely precise pressure control (which is why I like them for beginners!). As for the volume, it's by their nature. Each pipe is powered by the same type of reed, so the volume of each will be similar, and the chanter is furthest from your ears, so it comes across somewhat quiet from the players perspective. I find that makes folks work harder to get their drones in tune, as they are so present for the player.

[@alfjohansen2952]

@@MattWillisBagpiper thank you for answering. Just a quick follow up question, does how deeply a reed is seated have any effect on how easy it shuts down?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Well, if the reed is too far out, then the high A will be flat, and you'll likely squeeze harder to bring it in (as squeezing tends to sharpen notes). If that helps at all...

[@sueandlouscruise5843]

Hi Matt- thanks for the great work on the channel! I really enjoy the product reviews- especially the pipes. However- I'm new to piping and I'm looking at buying my first set. I live up here in the northeast and I'm in an apartment so most of my practice will be outside in the weather. Given that, I'm considering buying a set of acetal pipes. Could you do a video on purchasing your first pipes, choices for beginners and maybe review a few different acetals like the Hardie RGHP01 (the ones I'm looking at), the McCallum P0/P1 poly's, plus any other decent (and durable) entry-level ones that someone could pick up for, say under $1000? Would be a great help for us newbies! Thanks!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You'll likely never see me post a video on polypenco/acetal/plastic pipes. In my experience, while they can sound really quite good, they don't stay in tune as long or readily as blackwood pipes, and my early days as a pipe major consisted of tuning my plastic-pipe-playing members to the exclusion of everyone else, so to this day, I do require wooden pipes to be in my band. Check out Hardie RG00 or McCallum AB0 line of basic but very, very good blackwood pipes.

[@sueandlouscruise5843]

And that's why I asked - thanks so much for the feedback!

[@sueandlouscruise5843]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks for the feedback! Maybe a "Yourself First Set of Pipes" video would be worthwhile because of stuff like this that newbies would have no way of knowing about?

[@thomaschrisweidner776]

Hi Matt Have you tried the twist trap practice smallpipes with real smallpipes "A" reeds. I have played a practice chanter, Gibson, with a smallpipe "A" reed for years and it's a Gibson long poly practice chanter and it sounds perfectly fine. Even in a piob" tune. And play almost all of the old pipe tunes i.e. AC/DC , QUEEN and another modern tunes that will play on a highland pipes, just better 🎶 and in tune to what you hear on the radio. I'm 64 and been playing pipes for 55 years. I can read music and also play by ear. I'm wondering in your massive collection of practice chanter reeds and smallpipes reeds if you can come up with a combination of smallpipe reeds in "A" that can give a little more volume but still be in tune. Thanks, Chris

[@gabrielealbonico1300]

Hi Matt! Thanks for doing this review. I bought my practice chanter but I'm total naive in this stuff so i have a question for you. This practice chanter needs hamping? Because when i put the reed inside it just doesn't works... Don't know if the problem is the reed or the hamping that i haven't done yet. Thanks for your help!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I'd need a photo to see what's up with the reed and everything to answer. Feel free to email a photo at [e-mail]

[@n9sferatu261]

I feel sorry for the 1 person who disliked this video

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It's up to five now!

[@GHS-t2e]

Matt it’s 7 now

[@GHS-t2e]

594 likes though I hope your likes go up.

[@diegocalvorodriguez]

it is close to a smallpipe? in your opinion?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It is a type of smallpipes, though tends to be quieter than most other smallpipes.

[@leg2144]

I'm Australian and wanna learn. Reckon this is the best buy for a beginner?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It is certainly a solid choice!

[@leg2144]

@@MattWillisBagpiper would there be anything cheaper worth buying?

[@tonyesabdo1007]

Hallo Mr. Willis, I want to buy one, and I saw 2 version on the website.... Twist and Junior... what is the defence between both of them... on the website isn't clear. I like very much your video's.. thanks.. I learning much from them. Tony

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The junior is for children. 👍👍 glad you found the channel!

[@tonyesabdo1007]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks Mr.Willis.. I am happy for the fast answer..and happy to be a member on Your great channel.... I am playing bagpipe since I was 13 years old. I am self learning bagpipe ... I am in love with this instrument... sadly because of life and where I live there is no school to learn more about bagpipe .. but thanks to you Sir, now I know more and I wish to learn everything about playing this great instrument.. I am in love with your video's.. I watch them every day.. thanks you very much.. have a nice evening Mr Willis ..

[@sherwinclub1332]

Ay up me duck i am 5ft 7inch do I go for the long practice chanter or standard size thank you

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I'm 5'6" and play a long, but either is fine

[@sherwinclub1332]

God bless you over there from over here

[@iainmorrison2176]

Does the chanter have a threaded reed seat or are you just forcing it down a bit?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It is indeed threaded!

[@olenarudnyeva1829]

Hi, Matt. Thanks for the review. Do you think 11 years old can master this training set? He plays different recorders and flute. Thanks

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

With proper instruction, absolutely! Unfortunately, the pipes just strong an instrument one can teach themselves, even if they’re a skilled musician on another instrument. What part of the world are you in? I could help you all find an instructor, or failing that, we could do Skype lessons.

[@olenarudnyeva1829]

@@MattWillisBagpiper thanks a lot! We are in Ukraine. It will take time for us to order and get the set. I'll come back to you about Skype lessons as soon as we get it. Thanks

[@johnblaskiewicz3549]

Where did you get your stand to hold your various chanter parts? I saw it in previous videos.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I built it. Lowe’s and about $40 buck + drill and saw. 👍

[@richardjmcgregor1]

Hi there! Have you tried any other reed types other than what was supplied with the pipes? Cheers Richard

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I tried an Abbott in the chanter, but it was closer to B-flat, so went back to the Frazer red reeds. You might want to try the new Abbott narrow reeds (made for these narrower chanters). That said, I haven't tried these myself, so... If you do, let us know how it goes!

[@rileybeach3984]

I'm sure this would be my ideal transition instrument from the practice chanter, but I'm afraid the price is a little too steep. I'm probably going to get the Indoor Practice Pipes from Bagpipes Galore soon. What's that tune you're playing at the beginning and the end, because I want to learn it?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The tune is "Crossing the Minch". As for the Bagpipes Galore set, it's more of a gimmick than an instrument. I owned one twenty years ago, and from what I can see, they are still made the same. Quite poor quality, unfortunately.

[@rileybeach3984]

Thanks. I'm glad I told you.

[@Joshua-go7xy]

I just got one of these minus the reeds. Any idea what reeds they use? Or is it just any threesome of the same practice chanter reed?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Did you buy it used? It should come with 3 red Frazer practice chanter reeds.

[@Joshua-go7xy]

@@MattWillisBagpiper yup, but it used. So it is the fazier warnock practice chanter reeds?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That’s what it’s designed around. 👍👍

[@johngorman4052]

Hi Matt- what material are the Twist Trap Practice Pipes made from and what do the cost? They look as though they play easily and have a pleasant enough tone, I'm quite surprised and impressed actually, I see what you mean- you could practise for hours in a room and never cause any complaints and disturbance in the household or upset the neighbours. It was always an ongoing issue for me for years playing the pipes at home as a kid when playing the full set bagpipes was an absolute requirement with no easy alternative method. I think what you're doing here on your channel is outstanding mate, Cheers and long may you continue - you'll get no "complaints " from me. Lang mae yer Lum Reek!!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hello and I'm glad you found the channel here! Nope to have a new video out by the end of the day (at least one a week is the goal). As for materials in the Twist-Trap Practice Pipes, they are made from polypenco/acetyl (plastic), the same as R.G. Hardie poly pipe & practice chanters. The bag is a Canmore. I play mine more than I use my practice chanter, by quite a lot, though it was interesting making the switch after years of just picking up a chanter and having a go at a tune and such. But drones make the music better!

[@TheBelrick]

@MattWillisBagpiper Hey Matt, do you still recommend this product as a first bagpipe?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Yes. I think a mouth blown smallpipe makes the transition to the big pipes much easier.

[@TheBelrick]

@@MattWillisBagpiper appreciate it!

[@abeidosmwheu___111]

What tuner app is that? The one I use is not working the way I’d like it to.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

IStroboSoft by Peterson. Unfortunately, it’s only available on iOS with the sweetener packs you need to make it work with the pipes. But of you have iOS, it’s great if pricy ($10 for tuner and $10 for sweetener pack with the bagpipe features).

[@Pierre-de-Standing]

Very naive question. So for a beginner, would it be better to just get a chanter or a set of these?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Not naive at all! I do feel it would be best to get a set of these, as the chanter and blowpipe come together to make a great practice chanter. Otherwise, you'll own two practice chanters (not the end of the world, but money that doesn't need to be spent).

[@Tandemi]

What tuning application do you use?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That’s the iStroboSoft tuner by Peterson, though the bagpipe sweetener is only available on iOS.

[@jeffreysturgill7668]

I was wondering how these compare with Walsh shuttle pipes

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The twist traps are quieter and less full overall (and lack the baritone drone). The twist trap pipes are better suited to a small apartment or other space where one cannot make much noise. The shuttle pipes are quite a bit louder (though still not needing earplugs or hearing protection) and better suited for performance in small spaces. They'd still need to be mic'ed if playing in a larger room.

[@Fozzy200IQ]

Did you know that frazer wal noc had a family member who made one of the best bagpipes ever to be named aa war mac and in my band there are about three people who has got them and im getting the second gen of them with the catulin

[@Psprowl91]

Is it possible to play these pipes left handed?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You could contact Hardie. I’m nearly certain they could tie it into a right-armed bag. Great hearing from you and your brothers!

[@TheMetalDrummer24]

Can these be used for beginniner Piper's ?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Yes! The chanter and mouthpiece come off of the bag to turn into a great practice chanter for all but the youngest learners (who may need a smaller practice chanter). Then when ready, you have a starter set of pipes to begin learning how to blow and squeeze steadily.

[@TheMetalDrummer24]

@@MattWillisBagpiperthat's cool might have to get that

[@amandamiller2154]

would there be a way to cork it up to turn it into a goose as well?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You could tape over the tenor drone, but without a drone, there’s a danger in developing unsteady blowing... I prefer to always have at least one drone.

[@averymcclure8067]

You should get a kaba gaida

[@ralphhunter118]

Hi Matt, wish these weren't so expensive.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Yeah, but even the pipe bag alone is around $180, so after adding the other components, well, it all adds up.

[@highlandspiper8838]

Cant get mine tuned for the world. Chanter is way off and drones wont tune to chanter. Im not the only person I've talked to with this issue either.

[@lwpweb]

the two bass drones tuned like moog sound :-)

[@legendarykings5548]

Where can I find these?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I recommend Lone Star Piper www.lonestarpiper.com

[@sionnachmacbradaigh1010]

So the seem to have sent me the twist trap pipes with a standard or junior sized chanter. It is impossible to hear over the drones. Has anyone else experienced this? It's a bit depressing

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That's a flaw with the basics design of all smallpipes. The drones are between you and the chanter. I always go through all 3 reeds and put the loudest of the three in the chanter if I can.

[@charlespayne2002]

It might be the recording but the drones seem to over power the chanter. The resonance is fine in low A but it washes out the higher notes.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

They use the same reeds for each, so each drone is about as loud as the chanter. So both drones are a bit louder than the chanter.

[@charlespayne2002]

@@MattWillisBagpiper I've been in the market for a set of poly smallpipes. I think I'll give the twist trap a whirl. Thanks Matt I enjoy the content. Keep it up.