Hey Ston,
What kind of bagpipe are you holding in your picture? Is that some sort of Eastern European Gaita?
Jeff
Yeah, that’s a Thracian (Bulgarian) gaida. Conical bore, pitched in G, range of a 9th, with a single drone two octaves down from the fundamental. The most interesting feature is the flea hole, a small tone hole at the top of the chanter that will, when open, modify most notes up a half step.
-David
how about posting some sound files of you playing that baby. 
Jeff
Sure thing. I’ll try and post something tomorrow. I suppose it’s a good incentive for me to get a song to a decent playing proficiency, so I don’t sound like a complete amateur
-David
Okay, I was finally able to get an okay sounding file up. You can hear me play “Shopsko Horo” (circle dance from the Shope region of Bulgaria) by Ivan Varimezov here: http://www.obairlann.net/~david/shopsko_horo.mp3
-David
Horo’s are gret tuens! The ones Planxty did are wonderful.
Have a guddun kids… IT’S THE WEEKEND!!! YEE HOO!!!
Patrick.
Very cool Ston.
David,
Sounds great.
About the tune, is Ivan a relation to Konstatin Varimesov?
Alan
The name you’re looking for is Kostadin, and yes, Ivan is his nephew. I’m lucky enough to be able to take lessons from him here in Los Angeles, since he’s here as a visiting professor at UCLA. He’s easily the best gajda teacher I’ve ever had. I’m probably going to be delaying my full immersion into uilleann piping until July, just so I can take advantage of his presence in Los Angeles (he may be going back to Bulgaria after this school year). I’ve found that it’s not really feasible for me to study two instruments at once 
-David
nice, thanks!
Jeff
Nice playing ston. You’re gonna make a good uilleann piper. I know what you mean about learning two instruments at once. When your PM practice set comes, well…be careful. You can’t imagine the pull it may have on you, perhaps even your vows. If your desire for the UP won’t subside, you may have to eat crow from time to time! 