![chiff and fipple uilleann pipes chiff and fipple uilleann pipes](http://www.kirklynch.com/engr11.jpg)
If not, ask away and you’re sure to get a reply. A search through their archives will probably answer any and all questions you may have about the pipes. The forum has a wealth of knowledge and some very friendly posters. There’s also a “Used Instrument Exchange” where people can post things they’re selling on. It originally started as a website and discussion forum about the tin whistle, but has added sub-forums for the Irish flute, uilleann pipes, and other traditional instruments. Chiff and Fipple ForumsĬhiff and Fipple is an active online community centered around traditional Irish music. Don’t buy from anyone who doesn’t play themselves neither they nor you have any idea as to whether the set they’re selling is any good. You want to make sure that the seller knows the instrument and that it’s in good working order. Ask for pictures, sound samples, and detailed descriptions. If you’re new to the uilleann pipes, ask a lot of questions about any set that you see for sale. Since you’re buying sight unseen (or heard), it’s a better place for more experienced pipers who know exactly what they want. eBayĭespite the warnings about cheap sets above, you can find some great deals on eBay. Otherwise, you could end up paying a lot for something unusable. Know exactly what you’re buying and who you’re buying from. Make sure to do your research beforehand. “Buyer beware” definitely applies to any online dealings. If you strike out in your area, there are still plenty of online options. The usual Craigslist/DoneDeal/GumTree/Kijiji online classifieds are also a great place to look, although you may not find much. Search “ uilleann pipes” or “Your City Irish session” to find pipers and sessions around you. A great place to find them is at Irish music sessions. If you live near a decent-sized city, there’s a good chance there’s someone who plays the pipes in your area. That way, you get to see and hear them before you hand your money over. Where to Find Used Uilleann Pipes For Saleīy far the best way to buy a set of used pipes is in-person.
Chiff and fipple uilleann pipes full#
If you see something new, especially half and full sets, at or below that price, you’re almost certainly looking at something unplayable. You shouldn’t be budgeting any less than $5-600 for a practice set, and you’ll be lucky to find a used one at that price. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.But at this point in time, most Asian-made pipes are of the “cheap and not-so-cheerful” variety. There may well be a talented and dedicated pipe maker in Pakistan, and there are a few in Japan. Many of the cheap “uilleann pipes” for sale online come from Pakistan. If it looks like there’s a big inventory of the same brand of pipes, it’s probably not made with the same care. Even pipemakers who have been around a long time and work quickly won’t have many sets on the market at once. A craftsman working in a workshop can take months to build a full set of pipes. If the set you’re looking at has a brand name rather than a single person’s name, be very cautious. They won’t have a factory or a big brand name. At most, pipemakers may have an apprentice or a few helpers around the workshop. There aren’t that many in the world who can do it. It takes a lot of knowledge and skill to make a set of pipes. Most uilleann pipes are made by single craftsmen or small workshops.By the time you notice that something’s wrong with your “pipes,” the return window will probably be closed, and you’ll be out a large chunk of change. This is especially true for a beginner on an instrument like the uilleann pipes. But they’re not really a musical instrument, and they can cause a lot of frustration for a beginner. They look like an instrument, and may even make a noise. Many musicians call these “Instrument-shaped objects,” or ISOs for short.
![chiff and fipple uilleann pipes chiff and fipple uilleann pipes](http://www.conorlambmusic.com/conor_lamb_online_lessons_small.png)
Worse yet, they can be almost unplayable. They use cheap materials, are poorly designed, and will fall apart in short order.
Chiff and fipple uilleann pipes how to#
These sets are commonly mass-produced by companies with little to no knowledge of how to actually make a functioning set of uilleann pipes. Note the ridiculously low price for a seemingly comprehensive package, and the fact that it ships directly from Pakistan. A set of cheap, poorly-made uilleann pipes for sale.