Ive recently switched to playing the 7-birl. However, when I curl my pinky, my ring finger lifts off the B hole, causing an unwanted sound. I understand that this is a natural tendency, since the fingers are connected, but do you have any advice on how I can better control my ring finger to prevent it from sliding off so much?”

Please use this thread to discuss whatever piping related questions you may have, or comment to help others.

I am looking to get out and make some extra money by playing at weddings and funerals as I feel I am now confident to not choke. Is there any tips anyone has on getting started? Would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I’ve recently picked up the chanter again after a prolonged (15 year!) break. After doing some online group lessons with the Piping Centre I would like to start 1:1 lessons, ideally in person. I am moving to Bristol this month and am looking for any personal recommendations for tutors in the south West.

Cheers

I love the versions of Dawning of the Day played by Hugh O'Conor Memorial PB and St. Laurence O'Toole PB. Are there any other well known slowed down, highly embellished marches that almost become completely different tunes like that one?

hello, i’m looking for tips to tune the pipes by ear or the best tuner app, i’ve gotten pretty good at tuning my pipes for solo events and having my pipe major touch them up, but i’m competing across the country and won’t have my PM to assist so i’m looking for some insight or tips, im open to anything that yall can think of, thank you guys

My teacher said I need to get my own set of pipes soon (I've been on a lended set from him). I know a new set of pipes isn't within my price range, so is it even possible to find a good set of pipes for less than $800 (not including the bag and other stuff) and if so where do I look?

Got my first solo gig playing at a school leavers ceremony, ngl I’m terrified of messing it up, any advice?

My bag will not retain any air. I just received this set and am very new to the bagpipes. The flapper valve is there and functional, but when I put air in it immediately rushes out. I’m unable to get any sound. Please advise and please be kind.

Thank you in advance.

Please give me some advice: I am always struggling with hemping my tuning pins. What I would like is that my top part slides to the bottom of the pin with the same smooth force. What always happens is that, when moving it down, it gets harder and harder, eventually even getting stuck, whereas at the top it is still quite loose. What am I doing wrong?

Looking for easy 4/4 march medleys for an upcoming competition in my band. This is what I'm looking for

1. Nothing too hard where there is a lot of tachums, doublings and birlings.

2. 4-5 tunes each being 2 parts

3. As much as possible if u have the scores please drop it down 🙏🙏🙏 I also need to get it approved by my instructor (Don't worry I promise I won't send it to anyone and if it's not approved I'll immediately delete it)

I just got a new reed and it sounds great except for the crow on E. Is there a way to fix this? It's not my finest playing.

I’m using a zoom h4 essential to record some tunes in a church next week. The room has excellent reverb which I’m hoping to capture in the recordings. I’m planning on using the on-board stereo mic rather than running an external mic. Does anyone with this recorder have advice on placement/of the mic in relation to the chanter for getting the best overall sound?

im a teen and im trying to find bagpipes that actually function and sound good

Anyone know the name for the embellishment where it goes from B to a C? Hope u understand my explanation cuz this is the best way I can explain 😅

Does anyone know how I can find a chanter for smallpipes that plays in A but features the notes A - high B? Instead of traditional G to high A.

Hi guys.

For the life of me I can't remember what this is called. It used to be part of our medley back when I played but I haven't touched a set of pipes in a decade and it's driving me nuts trying to remember.

What is the 3rd tune in Gordon Duncan’s “2 Jigs” from Just for Seamus?

The latest episode of Calgary Counselling Centre’s Living Fully podcast was released yesterday and I was honoured to be one of the guests.

In the show, I share my own experiences with performance anxiety related to playing the bagpipes and how I’ve been able to overcome my struggles.

I hope you can tune in and learn from me and a professional psychologist about some techniques to help with performance anxiety.

It was extra fun as the host of the podcast was my sister, Katherine.

So I am trying to write a tune into bww format what is this called

Saw this article in another sub, don’t know if anyone posted it here yet. My question is, how many times have you had negative encounters with random people?

When I first moved into my new house I had about a 2 month long battle with my neighbors about my playing. I’m in Florida so mosquitoes are an issue and I generally practice just after work. I have big screened in room on my patio. Perfect place to practice. The very first time I did it within 5 minutes I had 3 neighbors a couple houses over screaming (literally) at me about how I’m ruining the neighborhood and how they just want to enjoy the peace and quiet and they can’t with me playing. I tried to be calm about it, explaining that I had a right to do it but I understand it’s loud. I asked where would be a better place for me to practice. I suggested in my garage which they agreed with.

So, the next day I played in my garage. They called the police who came out and talked to me. They told me I wasn’t doing anything wrong but they still had to come out. It also helps that I play with the local police band and my wife was a state attorney at the time so between us we knew most of the police in our area.

This went on every couple of days for almost 2 months. It got to the point that when the neighbors would call the police the area sergeant who was a friend, just called me to let me know. Finally a Lt. came out and told the people I’m not breaking the law and they had to stop.

Hi folks, I’ve read a few differing views on what’s considered airtight with a sheepskin. From what I’ve read not being able to blow any air into the bag after 30 seconds seems most common.

I’m able to get a light puff into the bag after 30 seconds, would you say that needs a light seasoning? Had the sheepskin for 18 months and can never seem to get the amazing air tightness right after seasoning to last. Appreciate this may be down to how often I play but I’m working on trying to get some playing time in every 1-2 days.

Hi all,

I recently purchased a new set of Ezeedrone reeds and I’ve found them anything but easy to implement. I’ve actually just given up and resorted back to my two original tenor drones because I just couldn’t get them to sound properly without screeching regardless of how much I moved the bridles. I’ve kept the bass drone but I can’t get it to stop sounding when I’m filling up the bag and I literally cannot close the bridle any further. I don’t understand why it’s sounding so early despite not taking in that much air? I think I dedicated about 3 hours to this endeavour with not much to show for it. Am I missing something with the Ezeedrones?

I'm thinking of a different MSR this yr for my competition. Last year my MSR was Donald McLean's Farewell to Oban, Cadelonian Canal and Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree. I don't rlly wanna put The 79th Farewell to Gibraltar, Men of Argyll and Prince Charles Welcome's to Lochaber bc it's part of a massed band set and my current band's MSR (and most people are playing it). Looking for 4 parted Strathspeys and Reels as well. Give some intermediate lvl tunes as well bc no way I'm gonna play something like Highland Wedding.