I want to try to learn how to play the uilleann pipes and i need help directing me. I have played Great highland pipes for 2 years and though they are nice and love playing them there is no sound comparable to that of the uilleann pipes. so I wondering if anyone can tell me there experiences with book tutors or which book tutor you think is the best and most easy to learn with and i guess I’m also looking for a nice broken in starter set to learn on. Cheap is the word here though because I’m a poor college student so I’m looking for something around 300. Let me hear you thoughts ok.
Unfortunately, you won’t get anything for $300. Most good quality (and you don’t want anything else) practice sets start at around $1,000 to $1,200. However, two pipemakers offer cheaper alternatives for about the $600 mark:
David Daye’s starter set - these come in kit form (you assemble it) or ready-assembled (more expensive).
where do you live? the best thing you could do is find a piper and ask her/him for help. Oh and expect to pay more for pipes that play resonably well. there have been practice sets for sale recently both here and on uilleannobsession.com from $500-$1100
A really great practice set would go for over $2000 and if it were made buy one of the great makers much higher than that.
Hello Max,
2 books which I found helpful when I was starting the pipes were,
''Learn to Play the Uilleann Pipes - with the Armagh Pipers Club ''by Eithne & Brian Vallely. and ‘’ A New Approach to Uilleann Piping ‘’ by H.J. Clarke.
I would suggest you join your nearest piper’s club, as usually they will be very helpful to someone starting out.
I wish you the very best of luck.
Marcus.
Welcome to the wonderful world of uilleann pipes - there are a number of pitfalls for the unwary and you have listed three of them - read the faqs regarding the ‘eastern’ makers and only buy from a known ‘western’ Maker
300 is this pounds or dollars - where are you if we knew your location might be easier to advise.
For a practice set you will be looking at more than this - if in US then Pat Sky might be worth contacting
If there is a club near to you then it may be possible to borrow a set and get some introductory lessons