Small Pipes and Uilleann Pipes

Uilleann Pipes
1

Just wonder could anyone explain how the two sets vary from each other both in construction and playing.?

Thanks

Mark

2

Pipeman, can’t give you a blow-by-blow list of the physical differences as there are too many. Most of the other small pipes really are smaller than UPs, some requiring keys, some with a chanter so small you have to use your finger-tips. Most significantly, none of them sound like UPs. They are each different instruments, although you might say they all belong to the “bagpipe family”.

There is a site that gives you a taste of all these different pipes: http://www.hotpipes.com/main.html

Spend a while there and listen to the different types to see if you’re interested. If you can honestly say you find something there that’s better than UPs you’re a total … :astonished:

:wink:

djm

3

Thanks DJM for the helpful info and URL.

I must say that to the unaccustomed eye they do look similar, although I have never actually heard them. Are these what used to be called Union Pipes?

I’ll visit the site you suggest, and no I ain’t aiming to get a set, just curious.

Thanks again.

Mark

4

union pipes is the old name for uilleann pipes

5

Scottish small pipes can either be mouth or more commonly, bellows blown. It has a cylindrical bore and plays 9 notes, and is usually pitched in D (very tiny fingers needed) down to A (most common). The drones fall above the right elbow when played and you commonly have either 3, sometimes 4 drones, one a fifth above the tonic. No shutoff valves anywhere.

Uilleann (practice set) pipes have bag, bellows and a chanter that is of a conical bore and a fitted reed that will play two full octaves. Add a mainstock/switch and 3 drones, you have a half set. Add 2 pipes that have a conical bore and tailor fitted reeds that are stopped at the ends and have keys you play with the unused part of the bottom hand and you have a 3/4 set. Add another like it (bass regulator) and you have a full set.

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