Left-handed U Pipers

Uilleann Pipes
1

Was hoping that pipers from the list would provide comments regarding the issue of playing U-pipes left-handed (right hand on top). If a person is already fairly proficient on flute, and/or whistle playing lefty, what are the different options for learning pipes? Do any of you play left-handed? Are there proper left-handed instruments available, or have most pipers adapted to standard sets?

For the sake of this question, please assume the player will stick with it, becoming a diligent student, and that they have adequate monetary resources to initially pursue an instrument that might serve them well for years.

Various perspectives will be most appreciated, and there’s not much chance of giving useless information. Please feel free to send a private message or email about specific makers.

All the best,
Steve

2

U2, this topic has come up before. Do a Search on handedness. As I recall, the inputs were split, with some buying pipes specifically set up for lefties, and others who found that, since this is a new physical activity, they didn’t have a problem learning to use a right-handed set.

Its really up to you.

djm

3

Thanks djm - I did do a search before posting, but somehow came up empty with that try. I did find three threads when I took your advice. I do understand that it’s ultimately my decision. I, perhaps wrongly, understood that having tunes on whistle/flute was something of a benefit, or even an advantage, to facilitate learning the pipes. I’d still be interested in perspectives of those who might not have posted on the subject previously.

Steve

4

Regardless of whether you’re right or left-handed, being immersed in Irish music and developing the ability to play it on whistle or flute PRIOR to taking up the pipes will be of some value. It will train your muscle memory, sharpen your ears, and give you a strong sense of timing. It will give you something familiar to practice while getting a feel for the chanter, bag, and bellows. People who say they can learn pipes and just play anything they like without bothering with all that yucky traditional music are kidding themselves.

RE left handed pipes:

If you play whistle or flute left-handed, then it makes sense (to me, anyway) to get a left-handed set of pipes, otherwise you’re just making another obstacle to overcome.

Just tell your pipemaker that you want a left-handed set.

5

Earlier TODAY fergus.maunsell indicated he was receiving a new 4 key left-handed chanter and would be putting his 3 key left-handed chanter up for sale.
Click on this link:
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?p=183909&highlight=&sid=da15b60f7be3149b3cf0255e3ff8d909#183909

6

Hi U2,
My pipemaker has overcome this problem in two ways. He makes chanters which are equally suited to left or right handed playing ( no keyblocks, so no problem–keys down the back ,so accessible from both thumbs) and offering lefthanded customers a bag with with a blowpipe outlet tied into both sides of the bag.One outlet is sealed with a plug and can be swapped over at will. A great idea I think- like the tuning iris on the bottom D. A strong advantage is that when in the company of other pipers they are able to try your set with a simple switchover of blowpipes.You would be well advised to also turn the clack-valve round ( on the bellows)each time to ensure the efficient closing of the valve. I would imagine any reasonable maker would be prepared to emulate this service but if not try Brian Howard at www. howardmusic.co.uk Good luck and happy piping!

7

Most of the keywork on chanters can be managed right-or-left handed, so if a RH chanter comes your way, consider it. I know a few RH players managing LH chanters quite well.

However I do think LH players may want to reverse the bag and bellows sides rather than try to learn ‘right handed’. The order of regulators in the stock in a full RH set could be more problematic, but unless the set has a hollow stock, even that would be fixable.

8

Hi U2,

I’m a left handed whistle player (2 years) and have recently picked up the pipes (2 months) and play pipes left handed as well.

As has been previously discussed there are pros & cons either way. It will depend on how MUCH left or right handed you are, as well as other factors that you should consider.

My decision was based on the following:
a) playing left-handed just feels more natural and comfortable (for me). I tried playing whistle right-handed for a couple of hours to see if I could really switch. While I proved to myself that I could, I also decided I didn’t want to spend a few weeks or months relearning to play.

b) I’m not too concerned about sharing sets with others (there are only 3 other Upipers in the Atlanta area I know of). While this may change as I get more introduced to the Irish music ‘scene’…right now my main goal is playing for my own enjoyment.

c) playing whistle was a tremendous advantage when starting the pipes. I was able to start playing tunes almost immediately, and took only 2-3 weeks to stop sounding like a sick goose. Therefore, playing whistle left handed and pipes right handed would have been harder for me (by no means impossible, just more difficult in the beginning).

d) the practice set I have is actually made to be right-handed. As previously mentioned the difference is really the key blocks. I sent it to the maker to have him swap the bellows valve around and make a left-handed bag…since the chanter does not have keys, handed-ness is not an issue. Since then, I’ve learned I could have just turned the bag upside down…this would not have given me the same experience, but it could be done if you want to try both left and right handed before investing in a left-handed set.

e) I have a 1/2 set on order which is being made totally left handed (two keys). Only another month or so!! After getting my 1/2 set, I’ll decide if I keep the right-handed chanter or resell it…which brings me to the next thought.

f) Resell is a small concern. There seems to be quite a few lefty’s that play rightey..and only 4 of us true lefty/leftyies. See the poll
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=15249
If for some reason I decided to get another set, I might have trouble selling my lefthanded set…again, not impossible just a smaller market in an already small market. Like you, I plan to be a diligent student and play for many years…so I don’t expect this to be a problem, but sometimes things change.

g) After getting the practice set with a 1/2 set on order, my wife’s comment was “you know these aren’t like whistles where you can collect them by the dozen.” After 15 years of marriage, I know when to keep my thoughts to myself and decided that a non-committal “of course dear” was the wisest response. :roll:

Part of me is just biased as well. I’ve grownup lefty in a righthanded world and being a bit stubborn (its in my Scottish/Irish/English/German genes you know!) refuse to adapt to right-handed pipes after having to adapt to scissors, tools, etc. :smiley:

Welcome to the journey. You’ve come to the right place…just lurking and reading, I’ve learned more about pipes then I could possibly have learned otherwise.

Hope this helps…

Regards,
Gary

9

I appreciate your responses. Thanks very much for your help.

Steve

10

How many out there are right-handed yet play left-handed?

I know of a young man in town, 10 years of age, who “smokes” on he whistle and will play pipes when he is of sufficient size. He is right handed. For unknown reasons, a couple of years ago he took up whistle and started playing it left-handed. Benedict Koehler had the opportunity to hear the young man play this past year and was rather impressed with his techincal ability and musicality. We pondered whether he should be asked to change hands on whistle and thus one day be prepared to play pipes right-handed. As it is, he plays expertly either way…but we see him developing naturally as a lefty with the whistle and when it comes to the pipes. Go figure.

He is also a champion step dancer having qualified for both the All Ireland and World dance competitions.

Kids!