Everything works fine and I can get a sound of the set. Only problem is, when I go to squeeze the bag, it needs quite a lot arm strength to get a sound out of it. Much more than I expected since I don’t see any pipers having much difficulty getting that second octave e. Everything is fine, but can someone help me with this?
Also, any other advice would be most appreciated!
Cheers,
Armand
I had the same problem, then got a new reed and fixed some leaks, then it became easier to do. Bag pressure is also something one must just get used to, it can be a bit of a workout in the beginning.
Enjoy your new set!
-Mike
Hmmm, a leak seems to be more like it for me, now I just have to convince my dad to get me a teacher so I can see what he says about it…
If you have trouble convincing your dad, at least try and get to see someone once or twice, just to help you with the squeeziing problems and to iron out a few basics.
All the best,
DavidG
Before spending too much time with “making a sound come out”, I’d recommend the following:
a) Remove the chanter from the bag.
b) using your index finger, place it over the hole where the chanter was located.
c) Pump up the bag with the bellows, and take your finger off the hole ever so slightly, and then as necessary, pump the bellows to keep the bag full of air. Keep repeating this exercise until you have a solid command of what that whole exercise feels like… it’s important to make this concept of bag pressure and when to pump the bellows as second nature.
It may feel a bit foolish, (“isn’t this supposed to be a musical instrument?”) but this exercise is actually the first one taught in most tutor books (and by most instructors). Skipping over it could prolong the time it takes to get that music going.
Good luck.
Contact Patrick Hutchinson…he’s in your neighborhood. Well, at leat he resides in Rhode Island (for those of you overseas it really isn’t an island)…and since you do too… that means he’s in your neighborhood. He is a most excellent piper, great teacher, scholar of the music and instrument, and should be a good resource for you. Wishing you the best of luck and many happy returns on your investment of time spent with the instrument.
Oh yeah, and since you’ve got a set of pipes now you gotta change that name…things such as fiddlinviolinin is not permitted on the Uilleann Pipe Forum…gives us the heebeegeebies as we assume a spy has crossed over into our territory. 
Hahahaha, I actually thought about changing it earlier today when I was on my way home…
Hmmmm, this’ll take a while…
PipinUilleannPipin doesn’t quite work =P
Suggestions?
Instead of creating a new member name, send a PM to Rich to rename your member name.
Thanks, Tony!
And, I also have another question…
I know the bag should be under my arm, but where should I be applying the pressure? From pictures I’ve seen, it seems that most people go near the neck of the bag.
Cheers,
Armand
Congratulations on your new pipes. I’ve been down your road and had problems keeping air in the bag (I got my pipes in September). Normaly its a technique thing. I’d suggest that you practice the basic exercise that brianc recommended.
Orriginaly Posted By Brianc
a) Remove the chanter from the bag.
b) using your index finger, place it over the hole where the chanter was located.
c) Pump up the bag with the bellows, and take your finger off the hole ever so slightly, and then as necessary, pump the bellows to keep the bag full of air. Keep repeating this exercise until you have a solid command of what that whole exercise feels like… it’s important to make this concept of bag pressure and when to pump the bellows as second nature.
Since you have the luxury of an excellent piper in your area. Tack advantage of an opportunaty for a lesson. Even if it’s just one or two lessons to begin with.
If your not able to get any lessons. I would recommend Heather J. Clarks tutor book and the piping tutor videos published by Na Piobari Uilleann. Both resources are available at www.pipers.ie . Both tutors have been easy to understand and straight forward.
Cheers L42B 
i had the same problem, but it was a combination of pakistani pipes with a crappy reed requiring much “playing in” and use of muscles unused for anything other than piping.
i agree with the air pressure exercise…i used to do it for an hour at a time while watching tv until i had it down…