Sharp Sets

A forum about Uilleann (Irish) pipes and the surly people who play them.
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deltasalmon
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Sharp Sets

Post by deltasalmon »

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?
KevinNot10
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Re: Sharp Sets

Post by KevinNot10 »

Sam Lawrence has made at least 1. Sound files at the bottom of this page: http://hunterpipes.co.uk/sounds/
chaos97
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Re: Sharp Sets

Post by chaos97 »

There is an A. Froment practice set in F that has been in the classifieds on UilleannObsession.
JR
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Re: Sharp Sets

Post by JR »

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.
Tom_S
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Re: Sharp Sets

Post by Tom_S »

Jack Brennan in Australia has recently made one. It sounds absolutely amazing.
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Hans-Joerg
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Re: Sharp Sets

Post by Hans-Joerg »

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

Post by tommykleen »

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!
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NicoMoreno
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Re: Sharp Sets

Post by NicoMoreno »

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

*campaign may be too strong - a facebook post.
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Re: Sharp Sets

Post by daveboling »

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 :thumbsup: for the GHB crowd. The next step is likely a pair of vice (sic) grip pliers up the kilt. :shock:

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tommykleen
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Re: Sharp Sets

Post by tommykleen »

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. :)
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oleorezinator
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Re: Sharp Sets

Post by oleorezinator »

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 :thumbsup: for the GHB crowd. The next step is likely a pair of vice (sic) grip pliers up the kilt. :shock:

dave boling
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altoclef
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Re: Sharp Sets

Post by altoclef »

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