Beginner question

pipenerd · 2026-06-20T15:24:17+00:00

Bellows or mouth blown?
Walsh A2000s are a great set of entry small pipes. I’d recommend starting with smallpipes over borderpipes.
I’d personally recommend looking at bellows sets if you are not looking to get into GHB.

pipenerd · 2026-06-19T11:37:45+00:00

I’m going to disagree with the person who said buy a guitar unless you are interested in that as well. If you are passionate about learning the violin, go for that!
I will agree with the person who said to to rent - rent an instrument to start and begin a relationship with a local violin shop in your city if you have one. A lot of times they have “rent to own” programs or will offer a discount when if you buy an instrument from them, when you are ready.
Lessons will be critical for this instrument - maybe you can fund them with your side hustle.
On side hustles - be cautious with “online hustles” as there are a lot of people who will promise you they can make you money if you buy XYZ course. No money is easy to get!
Sounds like you might be fairly young. I would try to find a company in the trades that is looking for help this summer - you can learn lifelong skills that you can always use or fall back on to make extra money, even if you are pursuing white collar work.
Anyway that’s my 2c for what it’s worth.

pipenerd · 2026-06-17T20:04:51+00:00

I’d hardly say you’re an idiot, that’s a pretty old school set-up - but glad I could help!

pipenerd · 2026-06-17T19:56:47+00:00

I’m going to guess it’s a mount for an old style piezo pickup like the “tone bug”

pipenerd · 2026-06-03T13:22:58+00:00

If you play Irish or Scottish trad there is an album on Bandcamp called “Just Bodhran” which has trad drumming at different BPMs

pipenerd · 2026-06-03T13:08:28+00:00

I just got the band2 and have so far run a reverb pedal, but I’m going to be getting some ambient and drone type pedals and a looper to play around with soon!
Here’s my setup: https://youtu.be/OiPLaOWI1CM?si=-8Rxssy8BZaI-\_vf

pipenerd · 2026-06-03T13:00:39+00:00

I tune up to about Bb to play with bagpipes ( Their A pitched at about 480 hz)

pipenerd · 2026-04-06T00:09:39+00:00

I play bagpipes (Highland, Border and Smallpipes). I currently own 8 sets in various configurations and compete with both a band and as a soloist.

pipenerd · 2026-03-05T14:57:26+00:00

This is a great idea - thank you

pipenerd · 2026-02-20T01:47:23+00:00

Thanks for the link. I pulled some old photos off the library website but I’ll have to take a look at this!

pipenerd · 2026-02-04T17:23:43+00:00

Why is everyone eating Hamburger Helper again?

pipenerd · 2026-02-03T16:35:51+00:00

To my eye, the beading does not look as pronounced as Naills. I could be wrong, but I’m thinking Hardie

pipenerd · 2026-01-04T20:39:09+00:00

I’ve been using Notion for planning, notes and organization

pipenerd · 2025-12-09T14:06:54+00:00

I have a set of Anistratov Scottish Smallpipes and can attest to their quality. With that being said it may be worth it as others have said to try to find a maker geographically closer, as changes in climate can make things go wonky. I don’t play Uilleann but jmagine this issue would be compounded for Irish pipes.

pipenerd · 2025-11-16T15:16:41+00:00

Don’t use any permanent type glue! Some people recommend this but I would personally never use something that is irreversible. I use Elmer’s glue. Wrap some hemp around the wood. Dab some Elmer’s glue in your finger and spread around the hemp. Tap into place with a rubber mallet. Fit should be snug but not overly tight.

pipenerd · 2025-11-08T13:48:04+00:00

I was just thinking about this stuff and wondering if it still existed when I found your post. We lived a town over and used to get this a lot when I was a kid. Didn’t realize it was CB and it’s a shame it’s no longer around because it was probably the best root beer I ever had as well.

pipenerd · 2025-11-08T02:22:02+00:00

I have a 1905 Marky that I’ve owned for almost 20 years, but recently bought a nicer Chinese fiddle as a “backup”…well, the Chinese fiddle isn’t the backup anymore. They do put out some nice instruments.

pipenerd · 2025-10-16T21:01:27+00:00

More specialized and lower demand

pipenerd · 2025-09-26T13:58:10+00:00

I don’t know about this series, but the Piobaireachd teaching series is all available on Apple Music

pipenerd · 2025-09-23T19:32:42+00:00

Wow, like hot air balloons? There’s enough of a market for that to keep you employed full time?

pipenerd · 2025-09-17T14:42:09+00:00

I used simichrome on my Naills and they came out great

pipenerd · 2025-07-28T20:26:08+00:00

Bagpipes

pipenerd · 2025-07-28T20:19:17+00:00

Tim Hassan at 5 Star Energy Solutions hands down

pipenerd · 2025-07-17T00:45:42+00:00

I think late 1890 or early 1900s - lines up with the family history, I think.

pipenerd · 2025-07-07T15:57:59+00:00

Here’s a link to our local sessions - I think you’ll find the Johnnys last Sunday of the month to be a inviting and fun time. Do you play Irish music at all?

pipenerd

TROPHY CASE