Types of Bagpipes
The Scottish or Highland pipe is now the best known in the world, with one bass drone harmonizing with two tenor drones and being tuned to the pitch of the pipe chanter. These pipes range from a basic set with wooden mounts and plain nickel ferrules, to the top of the range set, furnished with chased sterling silver mounts, ferrules, slides, caps, mouthpiece tube, and sole.
Highland pipes sound sample
The Chamber pipes are growing in popularity, as these are in effect simply a version of the Highland pipe, and much easier to blow - the fingering technique is identical, as is the method of blowing and squeezing. However, the final sound is much quieter, with a haunting quality; these pipes tend to be played indoors.
Chamber pipes sound sample
Similarly, the Scottish Small pipe produces a mellow sound, but this style is played across the knees with the use of a bellows. No blowing at all is required.
Small pipes sound samples
The Practice pipes with two brass drones which produce an excellent steady sound. The chanter of the pipes is made from African Blackwood and, overall, these pipes have an amazing sound - not dissimilar to small .
Practice pipes sound sample
The main item required by the beginner to learn to play the pipes is the chanter kit. And, once a set of pipes has been obtained, a maintenance kit is ideal for keeping them in shape and in good playing condition.
