How does one define a good piper? Is it chanter work? Regulator usage? Or a combination of the two.
In short, are regulators necessary to be considered a “great” piper?
I have my own opinion on the matter, but basically, I want regulators. I want to play them.
However, I know that at least one very well-respected piper in North America prefers to only use the tenor and baritone (no bass). And a piper that is respected by that piper hardly uses the regs at all. In his words, he uses them in slow airs, but he doesn’t really play them as much as lean on a chord at the end of a phrase. So those are my two examples of “great” pipers and regulators.
It’s a matter of personal choice. For me, they’re necessary in my piping, I enjoy the sound of well-tuned and well-played regs enormously.
You music can be complete without them, for instance I would never say Tommy Keane’s piping lacks because he rarely if ever uses regs.
But if you got em, and they work, you ought to at least try to use them before making any final decisions about their use or non-use in your own music.
I’d only add that if you’ve not got them (i.e. you’ve got a half set), it probably doesn’t make much sense buying regulators if you’re not going to play them - they’re not cheap.
Having spent years swearing I’d never buy regs, I’ve recently ordered my first (a baritone). I started listening to some pipers who play them sparingly - by which I mean they don’t lean on them during the piece, but play an occasional chord here and their to embelish the chanter. That’s what I’ll be aiming for. Anyway, Nico, look forward to seeing/hearing your regs when you get them. Any particular maker in mind?
I just mean, I’m not asking to try and make up my mind. When I can afford them, I will be getting regs. I don’t even have drones yet, so it’s not a huge issue.
I actually posted this topic because of the discussion of having a topic on this.. um.. topic ( ) in a recent, er… topic… Heh, assembly code is bad for the brain…
currently I’m in want of a good set, but speaking as an all-around musician, a guitarist for this example, I look at my skills based on what I’m able to do with the guitar as a standalone instrument. All the other effects, tremolo bar, amplifier/preamp combination, speaker type, acoustic skills, and the myriad of styles of playing simply enhance my overall skills. It takes skill to use the chorus effect in an effectual manner, even distortion.
Regulators and drones are similar in my view: they add to the experience, bro.
I like to look at musicianship as a giant all-you-can-eat buffet: you have all sorts of opportunities available for you to consume, and it’s up to you how much you digest, or poop out. sorry for the graphic humor, but I had to, Joseph.
There are some modern pipers (see previous threads) who say they don’t consider either drones or regs to be necessary, yet they are acknowledged for their great skill as pipers, so obviously, skill on the chanter is the first priority. After that, its up to you.
Having heard what drones sound like, is that the sound you want for yourself? Remember, you will almost never use them when playing in sessions or in modern ensembles. So do you need drones?
Having heard what regs sound like, is that the sound you want for yourself? Remember, you will almost never use them when playing in sessions or in modern ensembles. So do you need regs?
I don’t think you can say that a piper is great only because he has drones and regs, but I personally think drones and regs make a piper sound great. That is the sound for me.
I have a local fiddler whose opinion I respect greatly. He and I share the thought that pipes don’t really sound like pipes without the drones. It’s essentially a glorified tin whistle (or simple oboe). So drones, to me, are a must.
Lack of drones really makes the just vs even temperment argument moot too.
Anyways, to talk about regulators, I dimly remember hearing a comment attributed to (I believe) Seamus Ennis, wherein he essentially stated that regs are not traditional. Something to do with accompaniment not being traditional.
Diddle. Regs have been around since before 1800. Its their use (or not) that would make them traditional, and whether or not you can keep them in tune (which he couldn’t ).
I dwell in the twilight place… somewhere between Regulator Heaven and Regulatoe Hell.
We have a love:Hate thing going on.
I love playing regs but they can be a pain at times
I really like to play the regulators
Thats why I got pain in my left arm now.
(7 reeds on a MVD for appr. 1,5 hour/day is really a job)
Maybe somebody has an advice
like different arm exercises etc
Absolutely…
) time comes?
).
) time come? mine just did and it’s awesome 
