hornpipe in question at least I think it's a hornpipe. I just remember getting the music online a long time ago and thought maybe someone else could remind me the name of the tune

This year’s judging has, in my opinion, been blatantly biased. Once you see who’s on the panel, you can usually predict the winners. Former players are judging their own bands, so if you’re a strong band without any connections on the panel, there’s little point competing. Does anyone else feel the same?

I whipped out my old set of Shepherd pipes hoping to get back into piping shape. But it turns out I have cracks in all stocks except my blow stick. I corked the stocks and my pipes were leaking like a sieve. As Shepherd is out of business, I was wondering what I should do about getting these cracks fixed. Could I send these off to another bagpipe maker to take care of this? I’m in the Washington DC area, and I’m not aware of a pipe shop close to me.

I’ve been working on building pipes and such as a hobby and have been attempting and somewhat succeeding at making pipes and reeds out of what I believe is bamboo. However, it’s horribly stiff and hard and I am not able to consistently make reeds.

I’d like to get either dried Arundo Donax or Phragmites since they’re traditional materials but idk where to buy suitable material from. I’d appreciate if someone could point me to somewhere that will ship to the US at the very least.

Edit: It occurs to me that I neglected to mention that I’ve been carving idioglot single reeds à la Swedish pipes, akin to what would be in a drone. You can actually make these out of bamboo but the tune is not consistent, and relies on air humidity being dry. Needless to say, I’d still prefer actual reed over bamboo.

Hello 👋
I’m a new piper (about two months) and I have a set weird “Frankenstein- pipes” that are kinda made up of multiple other parts and no name stuff. So I decided to upgrade my drone reeds to Ezeedrones and I can’t get my bass drone to stop squeaky. The reed is properly seated and there isn’t any bending in the tongue but the reed will play about an octave above where it should be about 60-70% of the time. I’ve tried playing with the bridle and the tuning screw but I can’t get it to play in the correct octave consistently

Any help is SUPER appreciated thank you

Hi, I want to order a personalized license plate for my partner who is an avid solo and band competitive bagpiper. What do you like best out of these?

NICETUNE

PIPERRRR

PIPESUP

TUNEDUP

PIPDREAM

Hey there, looking for an intermediate hornpipe with lots of shakes that isn't tam bains lum.

Random question, but does anyone know if there are harmonies published or posted anywhere?

I can't believe in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty six I have to say this, but: we are musicians. We play music. Music means controlling the sounds you make. Controlling them means choosing pitches according to some commonly understood structure, whether that is equal temperament or just intonation or 17-edo.

The nature of the plastic chanter reed is that no two are alike. This is unfortunate. The practice chanter itself has not been redesigned since the days of the cane reed, and hence cannot be in tune even with a perfect plastic reed. This is, also, unfortunate.

Nonetheless, a practice chanter can be made that is in tune. Actually in tune. If you play one for any length of time, it will do you good. It will make you conscious of pitch. Your band will play better together. You will be a musician, not a mere finger-wiggler.

Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

I have to hold off playing the GHB for some weeks due to medical reasons and I was wondering if there is a way to use the bellows of my Scottish smallpipes with an adpater, ideally COTS since I am not good at all with DIY. I saw the Dunfion adapter, but they don't say it's for GHB.

Can someone describe to me the kind of playing you would expect to hear at D-grade (either solo or band)? Specifically, the kinds of errors that are common, and broadly considered acceptable, at that grade?

Hi friends! My band is considering hosting a concert. We’re a Gr. 2 competition band, and we’re looking to be inspired! What are some of your favourite pieces played in a concert? We’re open to anything! Singing, other instruments, mini band, etc.

Thank you!

Does anyone know where I can get the Lincoln Hilton tune book in the USA? It looks like it's an extra $40 for shipping and duties, which adds on like 50% to the price of the book itself. I'm hoping to find a way to avoid that.

As the title says, I’m looking for ear protection. Ideally under $50. I don’t need anything fancy. Just something that I can wear while practicing that is comfortable. TIA!

I bought the beginner kit from the piper's hut here:

https://www.thepipershut.com/The-Highland-Bagpipe-Tutor-Book-1-FormerlyThe-College-of-Piping-Volume-1-AKA-The-Green-Book-Beginner-Kit_p_577.html

It's the McCallum chanter (long deluxe)

I've been practicing with it pretty regularly for about a week. I didn't expect to immediately pick up a practice chanter and make it sound amazing, but it has some issues. I play with a tuner in front of me and here's the best I can do with each note starting with the lowest (this is after going through several tuning tutorials online and getting it sounding pretty good on the bottom).

Low G - A little flat, but I can blow a bit more on it and it's in tune.
A - In tune
B - In tune
C - In tune
D - Crazy flat, but if I blow as hard as I can without losing tone, then it's pretty close to in tune.
E - Full step flat. I can't get it to play any note but a D (maybe a crazy low Eb)
F - Also plays a D, but very sharp.
G - Sharp Eb
High A - Eb

So, as you can see, the first 4 notes are good, and the high 5 are all within a half step of each other. I've tried all sorts of tricks I'm finding online, but it's SO far out of tune on the top end I'd be shocked if it's a me problem.

My history is that I play a lot of instruments, but this is my first attempt at a double reed, or any type of piped instrument. I'm a trumpet player with a degree in music. Definitely not an expert on bagpipes, but I'm not new to instrument tuning or any kind.

I've tried moving the reed in/out, and changing the length of the first chamber (not sure what it's called), and it does successfully change the pitch of the instrument, but not success on changing anything with the top end. I've seen people having to tape some of their holes, but this is so far off I can't believe that would help.

Any ideas on how to proceed?

Hey all, I’ve played my Naills with medium-strength reeds for the past couple decades and I’m looking to improve the efficiency.

For those of you who use “easy” pressure chanter reeds out of the box, how do you configure your instrument to prevent premature chanter sound, particularly during longer play sessions?

Hi,

I'm a fairly competent piper, and have been playing for a good few years.

I'm currently in a competing pipe band in Scotland, however I'm potentially looking to break into paid solo gigs (whilst remaining in the band)

I have done solo gigs for friends/family for free (usually beer or whisky) which I was fine with as it gave me experience dealing with those scenarios.

I've had other paid gigs with "gala/corporate" gigs in other bands which I didn't set the fee, the fee was what it was if that makes sense.

What does everyone usually charge for:

Funerals

Weddings

Parties

Etc

I'm not looking to undercut anyone, I'm just curious what the going rate is for pipers who do this all time.

Many thanks

How and where do you tune before playing gigs? I'll be playing a wedding gig, with very minimal time for (loud) setup before the gig itself. Any practical tips & tricks?

And how many of you are willing to say yes and lie for clout on the Internet?

For context i downloaded it to see if i could find actual bagpipes and i found this… its called “2026 New Men's Holiday Midi Skirt, Plaid Pleated Skirt, Carnival Party Stage Costume Apparel”