RenaissanceGuy wrote:Welcome SverreTheFlute!
Just a few thoughts off the top of my head:
Are there any Uilleann pipers located near you? It's a rather difficult instrument to learn in isolation. Some instructors offer lessons online via Skype.
There are some indications that there was once an "Oslo Uilleann Pipers" club, but they don't seem to have any online presence these days.
1. If you don't mind telling us, what kind of price range is possible for you?
The standard method is to start learning on a practice set, which consists of chanter, bag and bellows (no drones). This would also be the most affordable option.
2. It can be convenient and affordable to order a used set that somebody has listed online, but then you will most likely need help from an experienced piper to get the reeds working properly, and to get the instrument in tune. Another concern is that the chanter reed is sensitive to climate, and a reed made in one region of the world may not respond as expected when transported to another region. It's best if the reed is made locally. This is another reason why it's useful to connect with pipers in your area.
3. Flat sets (in the key of B, C or C# or roughly thereabouts) generally have softer, warmer tones than concert sets (key of D). However, if you are looking for affordable used instruments, concert-pitch sets seem to be easier to get a hold of at lower prices. Also, concert-pitch pipes more easily play in key with other instruments in a traditional session.
4. Two full octaves, and occasionally you may even manage to squeeze out a couple notes in the lower end of the third octave. As part of your learning process, you will find out the proper technique for playing in the second octave.
5. Yes, a drone shut-off switch is a standard feature on Uilleann pipes. But drones can wait until later, since you will just playing the chanter in the beginning stages.
6. On the majority of sets, drones are actually meant to only be played in one key. For example, the drones on a concert set are designed to sound the note D.
(You may be thinking of regulators, which have metal keys you press gently to play different notes for harmony)
Thank you so much RenaissanceGuy!
Your answers was to great help!
No, I don't have any players nearby, but nice to hear that there at least is one at the other side of my country, Kjell!
Yes, I understand this is a hard instrument to learn, I have great faith in Youtube, though, I hope I will pick up some instructions that way.
I want to keep the price range between 500 and 1000 £, and closer to 500 than 1000. I know many would say that's too little but still. I'm not sure how far I will take this, I can't invest too much.
On eBay there are offers, starting as low as between 200 and 300 £. All those seems to be the ones from Pakistan. I guess you have some thoughts about them...
I've been looking around a bit now for handmade sets and found practice sets for a little more than 800 £, I would prefer a bit lower to end up under 1000 with taxes and shipping to Norway included.
It would be of great help for me with some links or recommodations within my price range.
Your advices helps me to understand it's best to buy a practice chanter. But if the half sets under 1000 £ is good enough it wouldn't hurt. Actually I would most prefer to have one or two drones included.
The most important thing for me is the sound quality of the chanter. I understand it's not easy to buy anything else than D for my price range. Maybe it would be an idea to buy the chanter for itself, and add a cheaper set of bag and belly.
Sverre
