Embouchure: Irish Flute & Highland Pipes

Irish Flute
1

I’ve got my Pratten embouchure fairly solid; the dark and reedy tone is getting steady.

On the other hand, I’m contemplating picking up the Highland Pipes again; found some nice Hendersons.

So, am I setting up a lip conflict? I do place the blow pipe in the center of my lips. Am I shooting my self in the lips?

I do have a plan B; bellows blown small pipes by Simon Hope.

Do any of you play Irish flute and Highland Pipes?

Cheers
Cyril

2

Heard of Iain MacDonald? Dougie Pincock? James Duncan Mackenzie from Breabach? And doubtless more great GHB/flute doublers when these are just the names who came to me instantly…

http://www.iainmacdonald.eu/
http://www.musicplockton.org/dougie_pincock.asp
http://breabach.com/about/james-duncan-mackenzie

3

Thank you Mr. Duggan. I’ve been out of the scene since 2001; I appreciate the links.

4

I picked up the GHP again as well and was worried about my embouchure ( I can get nice sound from my flutes). In my case, I found the pipes to be beneficial. I found my lips got stronger as well as breath support. You may have to wait a few hours before playing the flute and let your lips rest after a long piping session, but I have had only good things come from it.

Along those lines, I started playing sax and I was worried this may be harmful. Same as with the pipes, its only been beneficial.

5

Thanks for that Casper … makes sense. Playing (blowing) GHBs is akin to going for a workout at the Lip Gym.