Sorry if this has been answered but can’t find it. I’d like to learn the pipes but don’t know where to start. I have two questions really.
Can anyone give me clue as to what is a decent set of practice pipes. I currently play flute and I know that a good instrument makes a big difference. I would say this is more true for a beginner since learning is hard enough without battling a bad instrument.
Are there any decent teach yourself resources out there?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Welcome to Forum and also the uilleann pipe
First questions is where in the UK as there are a number of pipers clubs some of which have instruments you can borrow e.g. Manchester, South Wales, London.
Avoid ebay as it is a minefield of sets made in East that are effectively firewood.
Costwise - look around the makers list on the NPU website and look for makers near you but be warned prices of a decent practice set will be in the region £800.00 or higher although their are a few who offer a student instrument biut these are only slightly cheaper
Several good resources if you are not near a pipers club or tutor.
There lessons on the Resource section of the NPU website and they also do a series of DVD Tutors
There is also the Heather Clark tutor which comes with a CD and started many of us off on the road to becoming a decent piper
Check your pm’s
John
John, I live in Malvern Worcestershire. And forgive me for looking dumb, but what is NPU so I can look at their website?
Karl.
Go here http://www.pipers.ie/
Cheers, Paragon.
My advise is don’t try to teach yourself. I wasted a few years doing that. I recommend the Clarke book to get started, but it will only get you so far. Keep coming back here for advise. We will sometimes disagree, but there is a wealth of knowledge here. Welcome to the forum and good luck with your piping.
It has been said many times here.
If you can visit a pipe maker and try the pipes you are going to buy, it is a big advantage.
Doing this sort of thing by mail can be a problem unless you know what you are buying.
Being close to the maker will be easier for reed adjustment, etc.
I have the Clarke book, it is a good start. (CD included)
The NPU DVD Vol one is also great for basic instruction.
Getting with a teacher or at least another piper will make things easier.
I have only been at this about a year but have learned a great deal.
Tim
You could try your local CCE branches - South Birmingham, Coventry and Leamington Spa are the nearest to you CCE branch contact details
There is also The South Wales Uilleann Pipers and The South Western Association of Uilleann Pipers
David
A big thanks to everyone for their help so far.
Steve Turner, if he’s still in Bristol, is only an hour and 15 minutes away from Malvern.
A fine piper and a true gentleman.
He posts here fairly often, and I don’t think he’ll mind me reproducing his e-mail (as it’s in his signature):
Steve is now down on the South Coast somewhere. The South Wales pipers meet every 4-6 weeks and the South Western bunch meet the third saturday of every month. You’ll definitely be welcome to come to both meetings as I frequent them both and everyone is welcoming. Keep an eye on both websites and of course a great place to come to have a go at the pipes is at a tionól and as it so happens the South Wales tionól is on 3rd September with Mick O’Brien , Alan Burton and if you feel adventerous to have a go on the fiddle Emma Sweeney will be taking a fiddle class
apologies for the unashamed and blatant tionol plug
