Progress![]() To start, we have to know what a Great Highland Bagpipe (GHB) looks like. The image to the left are the bare basic parts of a bagpipe. Both of the drones play the same pitch, and you do not do much to try and play them as it only require air in the bag to begin sounding. The 'Great Drone' (a.k.a bass drone) will play the same pitch but at a high tone than the tenor drones. The 'Blowpipe" remains in your mouth as it allows you to constantly keep the bagpipe inflated and allow the drones and chanter to sound off. The 'Bag' is where the majority of the components are attached. The 'Chanter' was plays the different notes. Play attention to the airman below and notice his fingers move. By now you should have a practice chanter to learn to play the GHB. If you haven't already noticed from the above video, the GHB are actually pretty loud, and unlike most other instruments, you cannot adjust the volume of the instrument. With a practice chanter, you will not have to worry about sound as much, and you will not stress over the bag and maintaining pressure. As far as maintenance goes, the practice chanter requires little maintenance unless they are the high quality wood and metal chanters. I have a synthetic(plastic) chanter, and it requires little maintenance. The GHB, I am sure, requires a lot of maintenance and care. The reeds, and everything else, should be stored in a cool and dry area. Being a woodwind instrument, it can accumulate a lo of moisture. The reed threads should also be kept in the original state and do your best to not dethread the reeds. I have made this mistake and am finding little to no sound difference, but it is more difficult to place in position. Reeds come in many different colors, styles, and will sound vastly different and can also change the amount of air needed to begin to sound off. ReflectionI am looking forward to the progress that I have made. The next blog will get into the playing of the instrument. Hopefully, my viewers find these useful. I myself am a young beginner and need a tutor. I am simply attempting to teach myself and others how to play. I will also probably purchase more reeds for the blog after the next.
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April 2017
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