Playing with the Chieftains

Uilleann Pipes
1

I know, I know, this is old news and all, but I sure as hell missed it…

When and if you get the chance to get up on stage with the four gentlemen of the irish traditiona apocalypse, be aware that they are playing at 443, not 440.

Found out that I was going to be mic’ed as Paddy heard me playing for a pre-show introduction to Irish music for the patrons… and he told me (nice guy by the way) that “oh yes, be sure to tune up as high as you can…”

hmmm… just minutes before going up… manager confirmed " oh yes, they are playin’ about 443 these days." feck!!

anyway, went well anyway… crackin tunes and lovely gents… Interestingly enough for those of you with Koehler chanters… mine (measured off of C. Vallely’s Rowesome) is spot on identical in hole placement and size to Paddy’s Rowesome.

And Seth, he is LOVING his set! played the old chanter tonight, but was going at the regs and drones like a school boy.

Sorry… just got back, and wanted to warn anyone else going up there and playing under the bright lights… tune up!

2

Where were you? Gainesville? Heaven? Great news John, sounds like you had a blast. :thumbsup:

3

They’ve been at 443 for years.

4

They also have been known to hit as high as 447. Funny - if you listen to some of their older recordings you can hear the pitch change from one “d” tune to the next on the CD. (seriously) :slight_smile:

5

But why? Is it because of Moloney’s pipes or Molloy’s flute?

I know that Dervish play Eb most of the time because of the flute player.

6

Might be that Rowsome chanter. Molloy use to be high with his old R&R (listen to that old album with Peoples and Brady), but his new flutes should be okay.

7

yeah, i know Jim, that is what I am told, but I am not in the habit of playing along with them so I never gave it a thought. I was told last year’s tour they were up to 447… jeepers!