With all of the talk of D and flat sets, I have a couple of questions for you saged, wise (both the wise and wise guys may respond) types out there: If I purchase a practice set, can i swap a D chanter for a flat chanter? I realize that once I move to a half set or greater, the chanter has to blend with the drones, regulators, etc. But, for a practice set, for the sake of being able to have the “best of both worlds” as it were, is it possible/feasible?
Discuss.
Regards,
Chap
Most chanters have a standard size intake - 3/8". So in general, you should be able to change a concert chanter for a flat chanter. It might require you add or remove a little binding to get the right fit. Just make sure when you’re negotiating that the bag/chanter connection is 3/8".
There is nothing wrong with that. You might even be in better shape as you mightn’t have to meddle with the reed.
For me though I couldn’t play a flat chanter without the drones… it just completes the sound. I am an advocate of half sets rather than practice sets though 
Patrick.
So, you advocate starting with half set? I have thought that a half set might suit me better, but did not know if it was wise. By the way, once I get back from my current duty station, I will be in SoCal (San Diego to be specific)…already spoke to Mr Eskin about that. Hope to meet some other pipers there!
Hi Chap,
Looking forward to meeting you out here
Yes, I do lean towards getting a half set to begin with if you can afford it atall. If it’s a flat set, all the better.
Where are you currently stationed?
Patrick.
I have often found that there are two intake sizes out there. My sampling shows it at about 50/50.
t
Marine Corps Base Camp Schwab for the time being. I am a Navy chaplain, on loan to the 3rd Div, 4th Reg, and filling a slot vacated by a combat chap just recently. My brother and I are both Navy men…hopefully, I will be settling back into San Diego soon.
Why a flat set? I have the means for one, and I have scouted out different makers (favoring Lynch and Gallagher at the moment). I am a quick study, and the greater the challenge, the more I practice. Know anyone with a half set (flat) for sale? I see a Gallagher half set (d-pitched) on the forums at the moment, but nothing in the flat sets.
Thanks for the comments so far, and for your patience with the newb inquiry.
Actually there are THREE Gallagher sets and a Lynch set for sale at the moment. All concert pitch:
http://www.uilleannobsession.com/classifieds.html
Patrick.
The only other size I’ve come across was on a chanter made by Chris Langan. I didn’t take measurements but it was significantly bigger than 3/8".
What is the other main intake size?
My Hunter B chanter has a huge intake, close to 1/2", I think. It won’t fit into many chanter stocks at any rate.
No E
Patrick is right..the sooner ye get going with drones the better.Even one drone will give ye an indication if ye are using the correct technique with the bellows and the right pressure,as ye will detect a wavering of the drones if ye are doing it badly…
Slán Go Foill
Uilliam
Flat sets also sound very nice with only two drones, tenor and baritone. Since the bass drone and stock/switch/etc. are most of the labor in a set of drones, this can be an economical compromise. Worth asking a potential maker about it anyhow, you can have them make a ‘mini stock’ and use end-pins instead of a drone switch, in the manner of some old 18th century sets. This also has the advantage of letting you start out with only one drone (keeping the second one plugged). Later on you can add the fullsize stock with drone switch, and the bass drone.
Bill
Starting with a flat set will also aid in your getting used to proper playing posture sooner… the pipes can seem odd to strap into at first, but the sooner you get used to it the better… IMHO.
Flats sets great… however all the tutorial media is recorded on concert D pipes. So… playing along with NPU tapes would be extremely difficult to learn on.
True. A narrow bore D set is a way to go though? Less bother than a wide bore to keep going.
The narrow bore thing is only a suggestion. A half set is more the point. If you had a teacher with a flat set that would be the pitch to aim for… but if you are going on videos then D sounds like the way to go.
Are you talking with any makers?
Patrick.
… I meant to say “starting with a 1/2 set”, not “flat set”. Pardon my lack of java and any confusion that may have caused 
… although, starting with a flat set is good too. 
You could try digitizing your tapes and running the files through a pitch changing program such as BestPractice:
Thanks for that link.
Also, more and more pipers are recording on flat sets - (LO’F, Brian McN, Neil Mulligan, etc).