So ever since I was a kid I’ve always liked the sound of a good ol Irish bagpipe.
Nonetheless, I’ve never thought about taking classes until now. A friend of mine recommended this forum and told me to ask my questions here. So here goes:
I will be doing a study abroad in Barcelona for a year and I was wondering if anyone knows of anyone within the city that gives classes on the uillean bagpipes.
While I am not musically illterate per se (I took piano lesson for some years during my youth) I am very ignorant when it comes to bagpipes. So my question is, what type of chanter set would any of you recommend a newbie like me? I am not looking for the cheapest set, nor am I looking for something extremely expensive. I just want something that is decently priced for a beginner.
I’m sure there are plenty of other questions I could ask, but not just yet
For your first question, sorry I can’t help there, although there are a number of players in that area. Maybe someone else will give you the information you seek.
As regards the second question, have you read the FAQ’s at the top of the forum? Most of what you’re loking for can be found within there or the links within. Ultimately though it comes down to this: how much do you want to pay and more importantly, how long do you want to wait?
Do you have contact with any pipers who can help/advise you. If not, you’ll find many differing opinions on here. All valid to some degree.
The only thing that is agreed upon (generally!) is not to buy anything that’s come from India/Pakistan etc.
For classes in Barcelona contact Pello Garcia. You can find his phone number, email and more information here: http://www.uilleann.es
There is also a Spanish Uilleann forum where you can ask questions about piping around Barcelona: http://www.npuilleann.es/phpBB22
Try to get in contact with some experienced pipers at a tionol or workshop before you decide on what to buy. And if you are new to the whole ITM thing get started on a whistle while you wait for your first set.
Thanks for the replies! I had browsed over the FAQ too quickly aparently.
Also, there is someone I have contacted (Kenneth McNicholl) who seems like a very nice fellow and he offered me a practice set for 450 British Pounds. It includes postage and he said it could be a plastic, rosewood or ebony chanter (also includes vinyl bag, leather bellows, and fittings). he also said he could have it made in two months (I’m planning on leaving for Europe around mid August so I am in no rush). What do you guys think of this offer? Any opinions on his work?
Second, pardon my ignorance, but what does ITM stand for?
Kenny will make you a nice practice set at a very nice price, I think you will have to go some to beat his quality/price performance.
He has been bringing his delrin (plastic) test chanters to the session in the Uisge Bheatha and they sound nice. When he gets round to making a C version I want one.
Kenny is a member of this forum and I’ve seen some very nice work from him. I am only casually familiar with it so I can’t say more, specifically.
BUT AS A GENERAL PRINCIPLE a public forum is not a good place to ask for direct feedback on makers. As a newcomer you don’t know who’s giving advice (newbie or expert, sage or fool); also you don’t know who’s withholding it. There are many reasons for this which you will probably figure out after a moment’s thought; many makers are members of this forum and many more read it. This is a small community.
