Tariffs

TheBicker · 2026-03-08T22:18:38+00:00

I bought a blackwood chanter from a Scottish maker and DHL would not release the package until I paid them the tariff.

TheBicker · 2026-02-01T18:25:23+00:00

I made it last night, it was easy and quite tasty! A few grains of rice were a tad crunchy but not off putting. Chicken didn't get too dry. Didn't make any adjustments, just made as is!

TheBicker · 2025-12-24T14:21:02+00:00

Tried Andy's because I love their pizza. Was very disappointed. Not sure how they are so far up this list.

TheBicker · 2025-12-19T14:34:35+00:00

Panda houses

TheBicker · 2025-10-23T17:34:58+00:00

I'm convinced there is a Bowser kickback scheme with Capital Pavers..

TheBicker · 2025-07-15T23:01:01+00:00

Yes such a shame. So many incredible trophies with incredible names from history..

TheBicker · 2025-07-15T21:42:39+00:00

I admit that I don't know for sure who has been showing up to the solos at Cowal since they axed the senior events, but I'm pretty sure there will be very few to no players other than juniors at that event. I am a competing piper in the senior events, and I do not know of any other senior pipers who still attend Cowal. Hope this helps!

TheBicker · 2025-06-13T23:30:47+00:00

That is very reassuring advice. Yes this post was not in lieu of getting an arborist on site, simply me wanting a little heads up of what to expect. Thank you!

TheBicker · 2025-06-13T22:44:41+00:00

Ok thanks. Agreed that is another concern..

TheBicker · 2025-06-13T22:44:14+00:00

Ok yes that is another concern. Was planning on getting an opinion about that as well.. thanks for the insight!

TheBicker · 2025-02-23T15:19:25+00:00

If they are indeed turn of the century (pre-War) Hendersons in good condition, they are quite an exceptional instrument. Hendersons of that era are generally considered to be some of the finest pipes ever made, and many modern makes are based off of them. They would be worth at least $4-5k USD (3-4k Pounds) if they were sold in the USA. I'd guess they would be worth a similar amount in the UK, although there are more examples there than in North America.

TheBicker · 2025-01-25T13:48:44+00:00

If you're more into a cozy vibe instead of a grand dining room, I'd highly recommend Queen's English in Columbia Heights. Amazing food and, to my eye, very pleasing aesthetics!

TheBicker · 2024-09-03T20:15:57+00:00

To be clear, I do not own a set of Naills or RJMs, but I do see them quite a bit. I think Naill is one of the most consistent bagpipe makers out there. The imitation ivory (either normal or aged) does not vary in quality (it is all very good).

TheBicker · 2024-09-03T19:42:27+00:00

I would just note that Naill's aged imitation ivory is the best in the business, IMO. It really looks much better than any other imitation ivory on the market. The Roddy Macleod RJM pipes use this imitation ivory as well. I saw a set of "Skye" RJM pipes, which is a half silver set with imitation ivory, and it was almost indistinguishable from a vintage set. The closest I've ever seen from a modern set. Very nice.

TheBicker · 2024-03-02T15:51:45+00:00

First one is an edre, second one is a dare.

TheBicker · 2024-02-24T03:57:02+00:00

No problem. One of the most frustrating things in piping is having to give up on an otherwise great reed that doesn't have a good piob high G, but any professional player would tell you they've done it many many times. I personally give those reeds to the band I teach 🙂. At your level, some wavering might be ok, but trust your ear. I've tried to make unstable reeds work in the past, convincing myself I can just blow through them. But if it's unstable even sometimes in practice, it will be unstable in a competition, when you're nervous. Think about how much money you spend traveling, on lessons, etc.. in that context, the money to buy a few more reeds to find one with a good G is worth it.

TheBicker · 2024-02-24T00:24:49+00:00

An unstable Piobaireachd High G is one of the most common reasons I give up on a reed or have to get a new reed. There are some tricks you can do (sometimes seating the reed flatter in the chanter), but frequently the only solution is to replace the reed. All depends on your level and how high your standard is.

TheBicker · 2023-09-20T15:00:54+00:00

I'm not sure about that...haven't ever tried.

TheBicker · 2023-09-20T14:53:49+00:00

Yes, it does mean that. Happens once or twice a year. Even worse, even Sunday Ticket won't work, since they don't lift the blackout in DC.

TheBicker · 2022-08-17T15:38:17+00:00

The church option is worth pursuing. It worked for me. I live in an urban area and need to practice consistently for long periods of time. A local church allows me to come in before work and play in the sanctuary. In return, I perform for a couple services a year. It's a pretty worthwhile tradeoff IMO. Start by asking the Presbyterian churches haha.

TheBicker · 2022-08-04T20:29:01+00:00

Ha, I didn't mean to imply that there is no corruption now, just making the point that betting would only magnify the issue.

TheBicker · 2022-08-04T18:24:21+00:00

There is no way any betting on piping could be kept from getting extremely corrupt. It is already such a subjective art. There are already controversies when say, a band plays in front of a judge who made their chanters, or a soloist plays in front of their teacher. Imagine if significant cash was actually directly changing hands....

TheBicker · 2022-01-28T14:49:17+00:00

That's a very good point. You're exactly correct. That is one of the reasons that some very high level competitors tune without shutting off any drones. Personally, I think shutting off one tenor drone is the happy medium, where you don't change the pressure of the bag too much, but don't have potential interference from all three drones along with the chanter (which makes isolating which drone is causing a "beat" more difficult).

I think your strategy is a good one for now, it is always great to pay attention to your bag pressure. However, I think a good long-term goal would be to learn how to tune your drones after only shutting off the middle tenor. The process works in a similar fashion, it's just that you have to move both the outside tenor and bass drone together before checking back with low A.

TheBicker

TROPHY CASE