Unboxing: David Daye Uilleann Pipes with Penny Chanter! - Matt Willis Bagpiper

[@LesliePiper]

Thanks, Peter and Matt, for sharing a great moment

[@peterbaileybagpiper]

Thanks for documenting this experience Matt, I very much look forward to learning how to play these!

[@cmcer1995]

Thanks for this great unboxing. Always very educational. My wife says to forget playing the bagpipes in the house, find a mountainside.

[@gunnsmoke357]

Wow. Awesome sound. You’re welcome Matt.

[@krankenbank]

Oh I’ve been waiting to see the day!

[@johnnickpappanastos3382]

What a beefy sound, love that bass drone! Hope someone gets around to answering your question about the chanter reed bridle; I've been wondering the same thing ever since I got my Nate Banton Smallpipes.. Congrats on the new set Peter (The Great) Piper, and mad props for strappin' in on camera for your very first attempt!

[@infame_josh]

The bridle maintains tension on the reed so the harmonic nodes of notes could resonate on the proper note. When you leave a reed without a bridle it is unstable and the notes do not fit well on the pitch. I used to play GHB like 10 years ago, and I have been playing UP for almost three years; however, as I live in Mexico there are no pipe makers nor reed makers, our climate is quite variable, and there are only three UP counting me all around the country, so I had to learn to make reeds. Now they are quite good for my climate, and I help the other pipers of my country to keep their reeds playing as it is easier and cheaper to travel to my city than sending a reed to their pipe makers. David Daye has always helped me with the reed making process as he is the only one that has a method to make "any climate" reeds.

[@Ordinaryfiveeight]

Excellent and I formative. You sure are a talented chap. These are known as the most difficult pipes to play. Not for the faint hearted.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thanks! I mainly stick to airs and slower tunes on the uilleann pipes, but they do sound lovely.

[@jensmacgillivray6328]

Well those are simply magnificent! Looks as though I’ve got another instrument to add to the wishlist. I’d love to see an eventual update on your friend’s progress.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You can go subscribe to Peter's KZbin here: kzbin.info/door/s44DLflRXnd32JG9CSBXMQ I'll see if I can convince him to post a video or two when he gets up to speed on these pipes!

[@peterbaileybagpiper]

Hi Jens - I'm now chronicling my progress on my channel kzbin.info/aero/PLJyBILN7RrdNRWVCf-yryPgUnaFqhTfB3

[@maggiepaine483]

Uilleann pipes

[@RosssRoyce]

We do put bridles oh highland bagpipes. For the same reason we put them on oboe reeds. In my experience they are to make the sides of a reed come closer, they are too firm at the base - this is where the high notes are produced. If you press it too close, then of course you press on the edges to open sides again.

[@teslapiper]

tuning notes specifically with a rush you will affect the upper octave in a different way than you may expect. Its half art half science.

[@teslapiper]

You will most likely experience your upper octave going sharp when your lower octave goes flat.

[@jamesmoyar9894]

Oh, sweet! I've been looking for a good review/playing with the penny chanter for years - this is great!

[@jamesmoyar9894]

Holy crap, man, I'm getting a rush as I watch you open this, like they were my own pipes... I'm not going to be able to resist buying these myself, and it's your fault.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Ha!! I'm sorry! (no, I'm not!)

[@johnnickpappanastos3382]

James Moyar I feel your pain lol

[@maggiepaine483]

Very poignant.

[@alphonsemerteuil2711]

Such beautiful sound

[@wgority]

A full half set?? 🤪

[@johnnickpappanastos3382]

William Gority “jumbo shrimp”? Lol

[@debbielegros9828]

How can I get my hands on a set of David Day 1/2 set please?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Here's his site: daye1.com/pennychanter.html

[@newfieshamrock7621]

Love your channel.. would love to see you do a instructional on the Vpipes..of which i have a set but with no understanding of how to set them up and no one near me who understands the electronic program its written in..any help would be awesome and thanks

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you are enjoying the channel! Unfortunately, I don’t have any experience with the vpipes, though they sound super cool. Wish I could be more help!

[@FjolnirSyverson]

Can you recommend a good practice to get used to lifting fingers and holding one down while lifting I play the Swedish sack pipe

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hello! I unfortunately don't know anything about Swedish bagpipes...

[@FjolnirSyverson]

@@MattWillisBagpiper your good matt worth a try keep up the great work brother!

[@sesa2984]

Is David Daye the most affordable decent set of pipes, or are there alternatives?

[@sesa2984]

They sound good though.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Yes, and not aware of any similarly priced alternatives.

[@erikbrazzale6983]

How was the 21? I haven't tried that one yet. My favorite so far has been the 18 Glenfiddich

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Very well balanced. As with many older whiskies, the various flavor notes start to almost blend. That said, definitely some citrus notes, so the orange box and label seems appropriate.

[@No_Ghosts]

first thing he goes for is the Braveheart theme ...a man after my own heart

[@thiagolucca5380]

I would like tips on where I can buy a uilleann pipes over the internet

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I'd contact David Daye at www.daye1.com/pennychanter.html

[@cbasalt12754]

Great video! How did you learn to play Uilleann pipes? People say it takes 21 years but.. that is only Mastery they say.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Well, I'm nowhere near the level of player on the uilleann pipes that I am the highland pipes, but I am self taught, if only because I couldn't find an instructor for the uilleann pipes. I can play them well enough now, and when my Morrison set comes in, I look forward to dedicating some time to really improve my playing of the Irish pipes.

[@cbasalt12754]

So would you recommend starting on a practice set, or a chanter (I have seen them for uilleann pipes which is just weird).

[@mattthiessen9807]

Question. As this is just a halfset without the regulators, is that something you add on to this set? Or do you have to buy a completely new "full" set?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

This is indeed a half set, and you cannot upgrade it further, at least without also purchasing a different mainstock. The Daye mainstock is too narrow to fit any other pipes.

[@mattthiessen9807]

@@MattWillisBagpiper ah ok. I am thinking of getting one of these. I assume from the halfset you would upgrade to a "real" traditional set like Galloway etc?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Yes, once you've "outgrown" the Daye set, you'd likely get a full set (chanter, drones, and regs) form a different maker. That said, you can make some excellent uilleann pipe music on a Daye set. Many players don't use the regulators often (or at all!)

[@mattthiessen9807]

@@MattWillisBagpiper awesome. Super helpful info. Do recommend any chromatic keys be added at all? I think you mentioned an F natural??

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

F is the only key I used regularly though many find the C-natural key helpful too (it's the only way to get a second octave C natural on most chanters).

[@amandamiller2154]

Definitely dont have the money for it, simply curious about it. Are there any similarities between uillean and highland pipes?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Not really, unfortunately. While both have bags, the way you work one is quite different than the other (one constant pressure for the highlands vs. many different pressures depending on the note of the uilleann pipes). Both have chanters, but every note is fingered different. One is mouth blown, the other bellows blown... They are more different than same in how one has to approach them. I love them both and am chomping at the bit to get my Morrison set (on indefinite hold due to the corona virus). If you were to get a set, the Daye set shown here is a great, great choice.

[@amandamiller2154]

@@MattWillisBagpiper ok, thanks! I'll look into it when I get enough money to buy another set of pipes. I really like the sound of irish music!

[@Fabtech44]

🔥

[@Marcblur]

What's the manometer range on the chanter? I know it's going to differ between the octaves, but what pressure does bottom D "ideally" play at vs 2nd octave E or A? I had my old Daye reed set way too hard and would like to know what it's set at out of the box.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I haven't hooked a manometer up to my uilleann pipes. I'll have to give that a try and let you know!

[@Marcblur]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Please do. I've asked before on Chiff & Fipple and Dunsire and never gotten a satisfactory answer. It seems like highland pipers are the only ones concerned enough with chanter reed pressures to get or make manometers. ;)

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I think it may have to do with the fact that the highland pipes required dead-steady pressure (whereas every note on the uilleann pipes has a slightly different pressure) and the pressure required for the highland pipes can be painful if too high.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

But I will test the uilleann pipe chanters with the manometer! But it’ll be a week or three. But it’ll happen!

[@Marcblur]

@@MattWillisBagpiper I look forward to it. I've been experimenting with a synthetic reed for uilleann pipes, which gets both octaves pretty well in tune, but since I started out in an uilleann vacuum, I had no idea how to gauge for proper reed strength. I'm using a Daye Rowsome style penny chanter, but probably screwed up the original reed he sent by setting the bridle to be too hard.

[@joshdunne]

Hey! For someone who might want to try Uilleann pipes, but not yet ready to make the investment, do you know if there are companies in the US who loan them?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I am not aware of a US based loaning program... anybody know of one?

[@JamesBond-lj6ms]

What is the price on these?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Not sure. His site is www.daye1.com 👍

[@erikbrazzale6983]

Is there such a thing as too much coffee in the morning?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Ha! As long as the hands don't start shaking so badly I can't cover the holes on the chanter, I guess I'm good.

[@r.a.j.4801]

Why isn't tape used? it seems so much more reasonable????

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Tape? For tuning...? It tends to really only effect the first octave. Rushing tends to tune both octaves.

[@GeorgeCampbell1964]

My fiance absolutely loves the uillean pipe. This may be for her. 👍

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Good choice!

[@GeorgeCampbell1964]

@@MattWillisBagpiper how would you recommend she get started? I could get her started with the GHB with no trouble (with a PC of course) but the UP had loads of stuff that differs from the GHB. Loads of embellishments that differ as well. Any suggestions there would be greatly appreciated!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I often recommend folks start with an Irish whistle. While the fingering is different, the range of the two instruments in the same, so the repertoire is the same. After about 6-8 tunes on the whistle memorized, then I recommend moving to a practice set (bellows, bag, chanter). No need for drones until the basic bellows/bag technique and uilleann pipe fingering is learned. Then it's relatively straightforward moving the whistle tunes over to the uilleann pipes.

[@GeorgeCampbell1964]

@@MattWillisBagpiper So a D tin whistle. I would just have to caution her against tonguing it! Lol How about for the music and the embellishments? I'm approaching this from a GHB standpoint I know.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

@@GeorgeCampbell1964 To be honest, she can go ahead and tongue the whistle, as you can stop the chanter readily on the uilleann pipes. Embellishments aren't really an overly important part of playing the uilleann pipes. Certainly not for a beginner.

[@r.a.j.4801]

Hey, just wondering here. I was wondering how loud the sound is compared to other musical instruments...such as a saxophone. yea...a saxophone. How loud is Daye's penny chanter compared to a saxophone.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Good question! Uilleann pipes are quieter than a sax. More like the volume of a violin.

[@gunnsmoke357]

Shocks....pegs....Lucky?!?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Can't say I follow you on this one... ??

[@johnnickpappanastos3382]

Chucknado with the Napoleon Dynamite reference 😂 Classic!

[@shamrockshore6308]

You may travel far far from your own native home Far away o'er the mountains, far away o'er the foam But of all the fine places that I've ever seen There's none to compare with The Cliffs of Dooneen It's a nice place to be on a fine summer's day Watching all the wild flowers that ne'er do decay All the hare and lofty pheasant are plain to be seen Making homes for their young 'round The Cliffs of Dooneen Take a view o'er the mountains fine sights you'll see there You'll see the high rocky mountains on the West coast of Clare The towns of Kilkee and Kilrush can be seen From the high rocky slopes at The Cliffs of Dooneen Fare thee well to Dooneen fare thee well for a while And to all the fine people I'm leaving behind To the streams and the meadows where late I have been And the high rocky slopes of The Cliffs of Dooneen

[@eddien09]

please dont file the toneholes. Speak to the maker if there is an issue.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It's just a bit of roughness of the edge. Filing was perhaps too strong a word That said, I've carved and filed many a (highland bagpipe) chanter to bring into tune, and it's not something to take lightly! That was like "filing" a rough fingernail, not any sort of alteration in a meaningful sense to the hole. Thanks for the concern!

[@eddien09]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Ok fair enough, removing roughness is one thing. Also keep in mind if you do file a note for tuning purposes it can effect octaves differently as the range is greater on uilleann pipes.

[@peterbaileybagpiper]

I ended up using a piece of 320 grit sandpaper rolled into a narrow cone to gently soften the rough edges - worked great!

[@maggiepaine483]

Very poignant uilleann pipes.

[@maggiepaine483]

Very poignant uilleann pipes.

[@gotobassmsn]

The word Uilleann is pronounced Ui is pronounced O and the lleann is pronounced like the the woman's name LeAnn. Put it together and you get OLeAnn/Uílleann.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thanks for the insight! I’ve had the chance to hang with Eric Rigler, and he says “illin” so... now I don’t know how best to say it!

[@peterbaileybagpiper]

Meaning no disrespect - but I've never heard it pronounced that way. Not a single person in any of these documentaries pronounces uilleann with a long O kzbin.info/www/bejne/an7bd6ahadiMg5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6LdpGqjaK-GbcU kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYfNqYFnitaMrq8

[@cmcer1995]

I am new to bagpipes, but this discussion got me curious so I looked it up on the web. It seems the Irish in Northern Ireland pronounce it "ilin" or with the second "i" an upside-down "e" for what it's worth.

[@dublinpiper]

I'm irish, I speak gaelic, it's a gaelic word, and we pronounce it ILLIN. Just for the record, they were originally called Union Pipes. Uilleann is a bit of a made up term, because nationalists thought it reminded them of the act of Union, which it had nothing to do with. Also they were developed in England, and Scotland at the same time, in the baroque period as pastoral Pipes, but nobody wants to hear that, so terming them with a gaelic name gave a false, but believed sense of ownership. Sorry....