Chiff and Fipple Forums

I just ordered a half set from Kirk Lynch... without keys!

I figured, I could always have Kirk add keys later if I want... I am assuming that is an option?

rorybbellows wrote:
You must get yourself a copy of ancient voices by Mick O'Brien. Sounds like it could be your cup of tea.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-a ... 1106000760

RORY

I love that album.

Yes much of the backing, synth and all, is cheesy, but the tunes and Mick's playing are great.

Newbies need to be aware that he uses pipes in a number of different keys on that album. (Off the top of my head, he plays pipes in D, C, and B.)

pancelticpiper wrote:I love that album. .

Ditto, The piper's version of easy listening. The genius of Mick O'Brien is to make a well known and simple tune sound great.

RORY
PS regarding keys, its better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them.

rorybbellows wrote: PS regarding keys, its better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them.

...and Rory for the win!

One of the best players I know only has 1 key on his chanter!

One key on my chanter
But I'm still rolling along

myles wrote:One key on my chanter
But I'm still rolling along

RORY

Looks like he tried playing Slievenamon in a Kilkenny pub

myles wrote:Looks like he tried playing Slievenamon in a Kilkenny pub

I'm going to have to ask - why? Sorry if it's something that should be blindingly obvious ...

Tipperary hurling song.

myles wrote:Tipperary hurling song.

Ah right. Didn't know that. Thanks.

I know for someone who during the years came from 7 key chanter to 4 key, but he settled to play chanter with 1 key only. So it depends what kind of music you will play and what kind of chanter you have. I think this tradition of having keys comes from flat pitch chanters more than concert pitch. Keys do make chanters very nice looking, but if you don't need them they are surplus. Widebore chanters having big finger holes sound nicer with half holing ect. Narrow bore are differend animals, having small holes, so keys are nice to have. Look McSherry who for years owned keyless chanter without any problems. And he is one of the very best pipers alive. His current Koehler chanter has C key only. And he toured with some world music artists also. So if he can do it wihout keys, this answers the question for me period.

How common are long for f keys? I find I use that one on the flute constantly. Short f is harder to use in some circumstances. I do have a hankering for those dm Fiddle tunes.

I think a few makers use the "long" f as standard, I haven't had the impression it's a rarity anyway.

F natural is one note on the pipes that half-holes fairly easily and with a lot of character...you don't need the key to play in D minor but I suppose it might help with certain sorts of articulation.

Flutulator,

Short F key?

Do you mean the "ring" type F key?

These are quite common, and often fitted alongside the standard "long" F key, or as a slight variation - as on the Taylor style chanters I make. In fact, only the C natural key is opened from the back of the chanter, all others open from the front, negating the need to "reach around" on the Taylor style stick.

One advantage of the ring type key is that it can make fast passages involving acidentals easier, with the notes lying underneath the fingers rather then reaching around or across "reliably" to hit the right note.

Mike