Hi all, I’ve just got back from Brain Howard’s workshop in Sheffield where I picked up my new bag, stock and drones to upgrade my practice set. Wow. Like most people (I assume) it is taking some getting used to after only playing a chanter, but they sound MEAN. Jaw dropping mean. I’ll post some pics up at some point.
Congratulations on the 1/2 set!!! 
Got my drones on the weekend. It’s like I’m a beginner all over again.
The drones take a lot more air. Initially, I felt like I was constantly pumping the bellows. Someone gave me a tip - make sure that you fill the bellows - don’t just half fill it. This means fewer pumps with the bellows and a steadier sound from the drones.
As I recall, the general advice for someone new to the drones, is to block off the bass and baritone drones and start with only the tenor drone going.
Once you get used to the change in the air demand, then try 2 - the tenor and bari together. Take your time and enjoy the journey. Once you get the hang of the added air demand, then try all 3. But I wouldn’t recommend jumping in and doing all 3 at first.
Thanks wolvy. I’ll try that.
The should take a bit more but not drain you of air so you have to work up a sweat. One of my pupils has a Willie Rowsome set the dornes of that one need a lot of work top play, frustrating. She never uses the bass drone.
Hi BuskerSean, I’m really pleased for you! You deserve it for your services to piping. I think you’ll get used to it very quickly. For me it was the weight and shape difference of the bag which was the main change. Having something across the lap meant changing the placing of the bag ( further up under the arm in my case) Once that was sorted my set flew and takes very little air ( as does the chanter). A well known piper commented ’ oh, they play on a breeze!’ I’ll race you for the regs.All the best of luck and enjoy!
I’m probably exaggerating. I have to pump more, but I don’t have to exhaust myself doing it. When I first started, I had to think about the notes I was playing AND think about pumping the bellows. With experience, working the bellows became a reflex. Now that I’ve added the drones, I just need to get used to the additional demand for air. I’ll try what wolvy suggested and block two of the drones for the next few days.
Lucky man, Busker. Enjoy!
half a set of pipes, eh? well, my whistles ain’t half-ass things, HA!!
and runs..
I’ve noticed a few of these whistler trying a walk on the wild side.
Looks like they’re starting to get braver. 
All the best Sean and PJ.
David
drone envy!!
I guess there must be two kinds of people in the world. Pipers and those who want to be pipers.
… yes, the power of the dark side is strong. 
Glad it’s not just me who takes time to re-adjust. I found the strap over my left shoulder made all the difference to the weight of the drones and stock pulling the chanter over. Just got to get 'em playing smooth and even for the season’s playing.
after one week of practice the half set did its first stint of busking today. No-one told me to shut up, so they must be going pretty smooth. Let’s see how the the session goes tonight.
Well, the drones certainly add something. I was playing in the indoor market today, and a couple stopped to listen, after a few sets they asked me to play at their wedding tomorrow! Sorted. Unlikely this would have happened with the practice set.
Well done Sean. Are you playing in the church or at the reception?
Just the reception for half an hour, as the guests arrive. I really think my piping needs to improve for longer performances or even such events at a professional level like this, but if people ask… what the hell.
A little tip for increasing the repertoire:
Speed up hornpipes and turn them into reels
Slow down hornpipes and turn them into marches
Really slow down hornpipes and turn them into airs!!
In theory, the Boys of Blue Hill and the Blackbird is all you need to know - you could go on all night and no one would know you only have 2 tunes! 