D set vs. C or other flat set

Uilleann Pipes
1

Hi all…I had a D set very briefly, and for devastating financial reasons had to sell them after only a few months…but I am for sure getting back on the horse when things get better. My question was, does it matter much whether a beginner starts on a concert set or a flat set? The description of a C set (mellow, quieter, etc.) sounds very appealing to me. What are the differences in playability?

Also, what determines how easily a chanter plays as far as bag pressure? I think I’d like a set that takes much less bag pressure than my previous set. Is this based on the bag? chanter? reed? A combination of all of these?

Any help appreciated. Thanks!

2

The biggest difference is finding other musicians to play with. Most musicians playing Irish trad are used to playing in D. Other than that, there might be a wider stretch with a C chanter which could be significant if you have small hands. As far as the sound goes, generally C chanters are quieter and more mellow (and consequently less bright) than concert D. However, I’ve heard concert chanters reeded to be very quiet. You can also get narrow bore D chanters.

Mainly, it’s the reed. If you prefer to have a light reed, you should get a professional reedmaker to make one for you. A light reed doesn’t necessarily mean a quieter chanter and conversely a stiff reed is not necessarily louder.

I’ve played several Neil O’Grady D chanters. Neil seems to reed his chanters with light reeds. Also, his chanters are relatively quiet.

3

Hi uilleann915

My vote would be go for the flat set (flat sounds much better than concert to my ears).

You can always get a D chanter later when you are up to playing in sessions.

David

4

Spoken like a true flat piper - How is the Bb set going?

You make a good point - build up a C set, including drones and regs for solo playing and have a spare D chanter to play at sessions.

5

or have a D practice set for sessions and the flat set for home…actually just a second bag w/o a stock and the D chanter and you’re good to go.

6

I have a half set in D now, but my plan is to have a full flat set for home and keep this one (it was cheap) for sessions…it’s nothing special but good enough for sessions (not that I’m ready to play the pipes in a session!). I too prefer the sound of flat sets…

7

Keep in mind that while narrow bore D seems to combine the best of both worlds, they can be too quiet to play with other instruments.I didn’t find the stretch between D and B to be bad at all. Of course, everyone will be a bit different.

8

Real men play concert pitch.

The faint of heart and elderly play flat sets.

9

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

The ones with brains play both, even if they are crap at playing :sniffle: like me.

PJ - the Bb set sounds lovely when Uilliam plays it :smiley: it sounds like crap when I try :laughing: but that is down to me. Looking forward to lots of flat fun when the two Chrises finish the chanters I have on order (don’t know if anybody listening will have fun though :smiling_imp: ).

David

10

Concert Pitch:

Flat set:

Any questions?

11

how many miles to the gallon does the top one do? :wink:

12

Would you say that to Seamus Ennis if he were still alive ? :stuck_out_tongue:

13

.05 I think… :laughing:

14

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

My choice for a flat set would be a tad different… something along the lines of:

15

And rich men play both … :laughing: :wink:

16

'63 split-window…oh yeahhh!!! :thumbsup:

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… nothing else can compare! :laughing:

18

Mysogonism is alive on the forum..no surprises there but ageism and heartism is a newish one here :really: :really:
Uilliam

19

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!
Boring.

20

The torpedo-back Sting Ray is one of my favorites too. The AC Shelby Cobra is my number one choice though.

I would enjoy the convertable that Bill posted. Or a Cord.