want to make small pipes

Bagpipes (Non-Uilleann)
1

howdy,

I want to make a set of small pipes, and do not have access to an existing set, I don’t even play the pipes, i am a Sax, whistle and flute player, but I like turning things and like learning new instuments.

I am thinking about purchasing plans from Alan Ginsburg don’t know of any other existing plans for a set of small pipes. What does any one think or know about this, I realize it is probably going to be much harder than I think it is going to be. I am thinking of using delrin for the majority of the parts and maybe buying the leather parts. wondering if anyone has tried this with any success.

-tony (I will not be in africa when I try this, every thing is more difficult in africa dont ask me why it just is)

2

I neither make smallpipes nor am I acquainted with the Ginsberg plans, but I remembered seeing this a few years ago: http://www3.telus.net/ereiswig/ssp_make.htm

Just another option…

3

There is a Yahoo group called amateurbagpipemakers.
There is also a forum called http://makingandplayingbagpipes.theiforum.com
Both have smallpipe plans among their info.

4

Just another quick question on the topic actually two,

1 Is the small pipe chanter really cylindrical, it only needs to manage one ocatve so I guess it does not have to be fantsy, a plus for me if it is no reamer making

2 does anyone know if reeds can really be made from yougurt containers, the links are all dead that I have found to it?

thanks for the groups they are great so far

cheers
tony

5

I can answer the first one. Yes, the bore is always strictly cilyndrical.
As to the second, I myself have not made any. I leave that to professionals. However, there is always a lot of discussions across the various forums, and apparently a lot of peaople made and make reeds from yoghurt containers. The trick is to know which particular type, they are apparently quite different, both in thickness and in actual material.