And don’t forget to sit properly! The pipers in the photos aren’t just posing. If you can work it so the chanter “falls” somewhat naturally into your hands – sort of “hanging” from the bag neck – you’ll find it much easier to hold lightly. Paddy Keenan told me that and I approve of his message.
And to Mr. Gumby’s advice about the strap . After Michael Cooney suggested one to me, I looped a strip of latigo round the bag at the mainstock and kind of rigged something from there; it’s helped immensely. You can see Michael’s setup on YouTube. It’s very simple but effective.
You mentioned the weight of the chanter.
If your set is airtight (and once you’ve learned how to use the bellows and bag effortlessly) the chanter should just hang there in place. No weight to speak of.
I think I’m not getting the bellow positioned correctly. I’ve tried to copy the position in the Heather Clarke tutor but controlling the bellows is a real struggle and my arm is actually pressing on the edge rather than the pad, which is “pulling” my right hand so I end up gripping the chanter with my left hand until my thumb starts cramping.
Did half an hour on the low whistle trying to use a pipers grip and now I can’t find the holes and cover them properly
Back on the pipes I’ve played each note with greater and lesser success and even made it into the second octave - not intentionally.
I think I’ll be taking a trip off this island and out of Denmark soon and see if I can get a few days tuition.
Even with a properly positioned set up and good balance, there is just a natural death grip that comes with being a beginner. And I have had it on every wind instrument I have learned. Uilleann, whistle, Saxophone, Clarinet and Oboe. It seemed to take the longest to relax with pipes than any other - at least for me.
That said, having everything in the right place helps tremendously with the endurance and getting more and more comfortable with the instrument. Which in turn helps your hands to relax.
joconnor58, I spent the day trying to remember what it was like starting on the whistle many years ago - I have a vague memory of these pains from back then and of course not covering the holes properly so I’m still full of hope and I’m determined to learn the pipes.
Have decided to turn the set into a practice set and am definitely going to get a few days tuition.
I really hope you can resolve this with Richard - I can only say that he had posted mine when he said and that it arrived well packed and 95% as described and that I have a beautiful set of pipes for a fair price.
to Mr. Gumby’s advice about the strap . After Michael Cooney suggested one to me, I looped a strip of latigo round the bag at the mainstock and kind of rigged something from there; it’s helped immensely. You can see Michael’s setup on YouTube. It’s very simple but effective.