Chiff and Fipple Forums

Do people make chanters in Eb? I know there are a few modern records of Irish music with the tunes tuned up half a step but I'm not sure of a piper playing on a recording tuned up to Eb. I imagine with the flat sets being fairly common that it would be possible to make a chanter in Eb. The holes would be a little closer together but probably not enough to make it unplayable.

Is there a physical reason not to make one? Or is it just not in enough demand? Or very possible, have I just not Googled enough?

Sam Lawrence has made at least 1. Sound files at the bottom of this page: http://hunterpipes.co.uk/sounds/

There is an A. Froment practice set in F that has been in the classifieds on UilleannObsession.

I have some nice Eb 14 inch chanters. There are a few sets out there too, like Crowley, etc., but most people will say they are D, rather than admit Eb. People are afraid to embrace Eb, but it's a lovely key to play in. I'd be so happy to get a full set going, and I'd wager there are more Eb sets trying to play in D out there than proper Eb sets.

I imagine it will fall back into fashion in the future (as things often do with piping). Those 1970s sped-up recordings you mention, where the instruments are playing in E or Eb, sound incredible if a little speedy.

Jack Brennan in Australia has recently made one. It sounds absolutely amazing.

Take into account: People in an Eb-session might not WANT to have pipers!

Eb appears to be the rage in Ireland these days. The spoken intent is that it "cuts through the noise". But it also kicks us fixed-pitched instruments to the sidelines.

There are is a groundswell to do these Eb snobs one better: we're going to play in Ebb. Haha! Take that!

Does it count as a groundswell if it's really a facebook campaign*?

*campaign may be too strong - a facebook post.

tommykleen wrote:Eb appears to be the rage in Ireland these days. The spoken intent is that it "cuts through the noise". But it also kicks us fixed-pitched instruments to the sidelines.

Yah, the continual creep up in pitch has done wonders for the GHB crowd. The next step is likely a pair of vice (sic) grip pliers up the kilt.

dave boling

NicoMoreno wrote:Does it count as a groundswell if it's really a facebook campaign*?

*campaign may be too strong - a facebook post.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with but one [facebook post]".

Did I say groundswell ? I meant movement.

daveboling wrote:

tommykleen wrote:Eb appears to be the rage in Ireland these days. The spoken intent is that it "cuts through the noise". But it also kicks us fixed-pitched instruments to the sidelines.

Yah, the continual creep up in pitch has done wonders for the GHB crowd. The next step is likely a pair of vice (sic) grip pliers up the kilt.

dave boling

Vice grips to compliment the
rammed posture stick.

Andy Faden makes an Eb chanter. I played one in his workshop and it was good.