I'm a professional musician and have been playing bagpipes for more than 20 years. I've taught many different ages and ability levels. I'm always interested to find out what people struggle with in their musical journey. Subscribe for tune tutorials, product tests and reviews, troubleshooting videos and more!
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Great to see you back Kyle!
I have always wondered -- WHY hasn't anyone made a bagpipe -- with the standard CHROMATIC scale? Wouldn't you love to hear bagpipe solos of "Happy Birthday!" and "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" or other common songs? Perhaps SOMEDAY, somebody will create such a bagpipe. And we shall hear the unique bagpipe version of "Czardas" and "Flight of the Bumblebee." And finally, someone will compose a "Concerto for Bagpipes and Orchestra." With such a chromatic instrument, I'm sure that many more people will take up bagpipe-playing.
There is a bagpipe version of happy birthday, and probably one for the others mentioned as well. Bagpipe are in a different key. As far as I understand, songs with certain keys are easier to configure bagpipe notes to, while others are much harder or simply not possible. It's not something I've dabbled with much. Celtic folk rock bands in Scotland for example are a good source if you're interested in learning what's been done.
I’m a brand new piper, and I’ve always assumed you can tune the bass and middle tenor drone to the outer tenor, after the outer tenor was tuned to the chanter. Would that be worse than tuning everything to the chanter, or would it be the same result at the end of the day?
The outside tenor is tuned to the chanter. Then the bass is typically tuned to the outside tenor with the inside tenor to follow. The bass can be harder to hear for some as it might appear to be more "quiet", per se (it sounds deeper). The ending question is subject to tuning procedure you use. I would personally go with the beginning part. Try tuning the middle tenor to the outside and see what you think. Do you find it harder? Easier? This will help you learn.
Does everyone out there know if you can run the cutoffs into zoomies right behind the front wheels? Would appreciate if someone knows if it can be done
Is this a bagpipe related question? Please clarify.
Good to see you back at it, brother!
In your opinion, which of the two was the more air efficient; and on that point, what’s the best sounding, most air efficient synthetic reed on the market?
From what I remember, I preferred the Kelt reeds. The Balance Tone didnt work as easily in my pipes (I think I struggled to get them to the desired pitch or something). That aside, the Balance Tone had nice tone and were stable. The second part of your question will vary by individual opinion and the type of pipes the person has. I've used EZ reeds for years, as well as Kinnaird, Canning and a few others.
I learned to play pipes at 24 and was given a hard reed to play,i struggled with this and was told by the pipe major that it was for volume,his pipes i tried one time were a breeze to play.ive come to the conclusion that upon inflating bag to almost firm drones should kick in and a increase pressure to where bag feels firm and fully inflated a slight increase in pressure is needed to start chanter reed at this point any herculean, red faced toad cheek nut busting maneuvers are an indication that the reed is too hard
One rule of thumb is if you cannot get through the first line of Scotland the Brave or Green Hills (e.g.), the reed is too hard. While a harder reed will contribute to volume, there's no point to me to play a hard reed that you struggle with just for the sake of volume. You wont enjoy playing and this will in turn decrease your motivation. I've seen too many people give up because they were given hard reeds and felt that they just werent good enough because they couldnt keep the reed sounding.
@@KyleBantaMusic totally agree,this hindered my playing on the pipes,my focus was overcoming that reed strength in order to play on the chanter which resulted in a unnatural effort holding the chanter while trying to execute finger movement so more time was spent trying to blow a hard reed than playing
Plug and test the bag - rule #1 - must be airtight.
The Bling don't make "em sing but it can make them heavy. I have 8 sets but for the most part I play simple button mounts of high quality. In all cases I play only the best chanters that I can afford. One good set will do ya. McCallum drones run fine but I don't use their chanter.
Each to their own for brand. I've used the same set of Robertsons since 1998.
@@KyleBantaMusic Nice! My first band pipes were Robertsons. Kyo is my first choice today.
It's not magic but it is an essential part of the art. If you don't have perfect pitch, or you play at more than one pitch and need/want to be spot-on then a quality tuning meter is your guide and 'second opinion'. Final is always by ear. My Kyo chanters are designed to play at 466hz and 476hz and that is right where I play them. Where Murray Huggins made them to play. Give them what they want. added - drones follow chanter.
Informative but - If you're ready to stop guessing buy and learn to use a pressure gauge. Easy medium is around 22-25" w.c. If your chanter reed is playing there set your drones to cut out around 26-28" w.c. and reed strength should be good to go. Set the drones where you want them then tune the reed to fit the drone. Typically 476hz and matched to the chanter. 466hz if you are running b-flat. Bagpipe and reed makers use these numbers. Why don't you? 60+ years and trained in Scotland - in case you're wondering. I doctor and restore bagpipes.
I've never used a pressure gauge in my life. I dont know if they were around when I learned in the 90s/2000s. If they were, it wasnt mentioned to me. I learned by ear. 476 isnt bad to start; however, 480 is more preferable nowadays.
@@KyleBantaMusic 60 plus years for me and multiple bagpipes at once. I solve problems for others and visual aids are helpful. I measure everything and promote lower pitch. Mostly I play at 466hz and always solo. Not a fan of todays' high pitch. I often play old bagpipes where they were made to play.
Fair enough. There has been debate whether or not the pitch is climbing too high every year.
Welcome back!!
I'm wishing you the best for the future.
Sir plz help me to tune my bagpipe
This is the video I was going to suggest watching. Does something still confuse?
Unable to tune sir
I wouldn’t say you’re unable to tune, more like you don’t know how to tune YET. Everyone can learn. Did the video make sense? Were you curious about something that was said?
@@KyleBantaMusic I tuned it sir. Thank u very much.
@@KyleBantaMusic I tuned it sir. Your video was really helpful.
Thanks for this very good rythme and clear crisp fingers !
Thanks for the video Kyle. Get back into it!
Sir how to tune my bagpipe. Help me.
Which part are you struggling with? Can you explain?
The Drones sounding good!! Get that fire started!! 🔥😁
Hello Kyle…..I missed you! Nice to see you again!
I have been using the iconic 'Rocket Reeds' made by Mark Lee (former US Marine) for the last 20+ years and cannot fault them. They have glass fibre tongues with rubber O-ring bridles. I also use the 'V-3 drier system' to keep the drone reeds and bores completely dry from condensation.
Are you still playing this setup?
Likely. I currently have an MG bass and blue Canning tenors.
I'm a amateur bagpiper and will be playing at a funeral, I can't decide between medium chanter reed or easy reed. I can play both. What's your suggestion?
Depends what strength you’re most comfortable with. If you get a similar sound from the easy reed without squeaks and squeals (a common sign of a reed that is too easy), I’d personally go with that.
@@KyleBantaMusic thanks i must be in the transition spot where the easy is to easy but the medium i can barely make it throught the 1st verse of Amazing Grace. I'll keep building up lung capacity!
New to piping , just took up my grandfathers pipes. And having a go but so hard to teach yourself.. thank you so much for your videos they are so helpful please keep making them
Great video Kyle! I just finished up a slew of St. Patrick's Day events with the Balance Tone High Resonance Bass and Canning Blue tenors. Great sound and held up well with moisture. I have yet to try out the tenors though. After watching this, definitely going to give it a try!!
Take as much time as you need. My thoughts and prayers are with you man.
Bravo! What is the tune please?
Bonnie's Blue Brozzi, Athol Highlanders, Drew James Macintosh and Michael Macdonalds Jig
I would like to learn more about balancing drones to the chanter. I find that different reeds project wildly different volumes and characteristics and I’m not sure how to judge what’s preferable Great videos
Preferences usually depend on what brands work best in their specific brand of pipes. I tried Selbies in my pipes, and while they sounded great when I listened to other players, I couldn't get them to work in mine. Adjusting the reeds will increase or decrease the volume, however this difference can tend to be more difficult to notice unless you compare them side by side. The main things to check are that the reeds are air efficient, seated properly, and calibrated so that the tuning pins sit in the desired range (I use 'range' because I know players who prefer to have the tuning pins positioned higher or lower). Ease of tuning will depend on how well the drones work in the pipes and how knowledgeable the player is with tuning.
Oh damn... I play piano, bass, drums, accordion, anything you list, but I wanted to add something original to the library. About 150 quid for my chanter is defo too much, in zlotys (Im Polish) its around 500/600. That thing is expensive man 🤯
100-150 dollars (60-80 quid) is reasonable for a good practice chanter. If you're talking about 150 quid for a chanter, that would be more like a pipe chanter, not a practice chanter. The more aesthetics (flashy looks) you add, the more expensive it will be.
Very helpful, thanks.
Great playing. ❤
Thanks ,helped a lot 👍
Very useful video that I can refer to. Just one quick question: I have just taken delivery of set made by Bagpipes Galore in Edinburgh. It is one of their least expensive sets and sounds good. All the reeds are synthetic, including the ‘surefire’ chanter reed, and the pipes are Delrin. Is this going to make it less likely to go out of tune than more natural materials? Peter (in Dorset)
Hi Peter, natural materials (i.e. cane) require regular playing and maintenance compared to synthetic. They can also be finicky to set up and adjust unless you are knowledgeable with cane. With you dont play for a few days, you will be able to get the synthetic going again quicker than cane, which would likely need some additional work and patience to get going. Hope that helps!
@@KyleBantaMusicThis is very helpful. Thanks again for the videos. It’s a learning curve Peter
BRILLIANT! For me personally - that part at 1:47 is the most difficult to play _(my pinky and ring finger refuse to stay in sync),_ yet you naturally glide through it seemingly with ease. RESPECT, MAN! LOL / THanks for such a good post, and i look forward to your other videos. Blessings! - BN
Great! What 's the name of the tunes you are playing please?
Ewe with the Crooked Horn and John Morrison
I came looking on how to tune my drone, quadcopter, and quickly realized I was looking at the wrong kind of "drones". LOL 🤣🤣🤣
Very great sound! What drone reeds were used in this video? Very bold harmonic tone.
MG base and Ezee tenors I think
Thank you Kyle, your instruction is valuable and appreciated.
Why is there not a shoulder strap to hold it in place?
A shoulder strap is not needed. Novice pipers will sometimes opt to have a sponge or other cushion material that the bass drone can lay against till they adjust to the pipes. There is a bit of a dip between the base of the neck and the shoulder bone that the drone can position in.
@@KyleBantaMusic Thanks! I got a bagpipe at a flea market but it doesn't have any reeds so I'm trying to get it functional🙂
It really depends on the type and quality of bagpipe it is. Did the seller give any info about the make or brand?
@@KyleBantaMusic Dont have any information about it but it looks rather fancy: carved wooden pipes with chrome rings and colorful material. Can I send you a picture of it?
Absolutely! Send it to [email protected].
get well soon .
ONE SMALLER
One smaller? Smaller what?
Wishing you all the best from Australia! Your content puts a smile on my face
Please take care of yourself, my thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery 😢🤞
Oh heavens Kyle, what a lot to go through - we will be here when you feel up to things again, the most important thing is taking care of your health and well being.
Sorry for the health issues Kyle. Please stay positive during this and know that we're on your side while this is being sorted out. Prayers for you!
Hold on Kyle, you'll get through this. We are praying for you! Get well soon!
Hope you recover soon Kyle. Salute. Think positive, exercise when you can, get out doors. You will beat this.
Prayers, Kyle, for a full recovery. Looking forward to seeing more from you when you're feeling better. I had some horrible intestinal problems when I was in my 20s, so I understand how frustrating illnesses can be. Hang in there! Your subscribers are all pulling for you.
Prayer for your improved health. Take care of yourself first. All else will take care of itself.
All the best to you. Take your time. You only get 1 life. Health comes first
I have enjoyed your video and your information is very helpful. You have a straightforward way of explaining things, which I love. Take care of yourself. Hope you get to feeling better soon