Shoulder straps ... for or against ?

Uilleann Pipes
1

Opinions please…are shoulder straps a useful idea, or just another fashion accessory ?!!
Hands up all you strapping pipers out there !!

Boyd :slight_smile:



[ This Message was edited by: boyd on 2001-11-26 20:00 ]

[ This Message was edited by: boyd on 2001-11-26 20:01 ]

[ This Message was edited by: boyd on 2001-11-26 20:02 ]

2

I wouldn’t play without one. The weight of the body of the p[ipes is not pulling the bag, when you raise your left shoulder all regulators are handy within reach.

3

It very much depends on the measurements of the pipes and the physiognomy of the piper. While I’ve seen many pipers doing great without one, I would in no way be able to handle the regs without a shoulder strap (err…to be honest, they give me lots of trouble even with a strap). A half set is usually easily manageable without one.
Christian

4

Any tips for making one?

[A friend uses what looks like a nylon sling…the sort of stuff I use for rock-climbing…I’ve seen a bit of rope used, and a long leather belt…and lots of folks don’t use them at all…but I think I’ll try one and see if it helps with the regs]

Thanks for any advice !!

Boyd.

5

I’ve never seen anyone use a shoulder strap before…is this a new thing in the piper’s world, or do i need to crawl out from under the rock I live under? :slight_smile:

Famous players using them too?

B~

6

Brian… do you know this guy ??
http://www.concentric.net/~pdarcy/peter_laban/patrickdarcy_1.jpg

Here are some other examples:
http://www.concentric.net/~pdarcy/peter_laban/leo_ricard.jpg

http://www.concentric.net/~pdarcy/photos/wcss2000_4.jpg

Geoff Wooff,
http://www.concentric.net/~pdarcy/photos/wcss2000_8.jpg

Robbie Hannan
http://www.concentric.net/~pdarcy/photos/acla2000_robbie_h.jpg

Seán Óg Potts
http://www.concentric.net/~pdarcy/photos/sf2001_7.jpg

Many thanks to Patrick D’Arcy for having such awesome pictures on his website !

7

Ok, I’m convinced! :wink:

Just never noticed before. Thanks for the heads up Tony!

B~

8

Brian,
Most traditional full sets have the bass regulator reedcap extended across the drone stock and where it rests on your forearm in a cradled position. I think Gallagher does this fitting slightly different, where the extension isn’t needed and the drones and regulators sit more level.
http://www.uilleann.com/images/stainless.jpg
I didn’t see the extension in the picture. I’m sure after you get your pipes you’ll decide if a strap is needed or not.

Boyd started this topic… and I agree with Christian that we all differ in physical size and not all pipes/bag configurations are the same… therefore not everyone finds this a problem. I know my drones like to slide toward my knee and I’m contemplating attaching the popping strap & drone support to the bellows waist belt… one day perhaps.


I’m thinking an adjustable nylon guitar strap could be fitted instead of a strip of leather. The nylon would probably be more comfortable.

9

Famous players using them too?

B~

Seamus Ennis and Johnny Doran famous enough?