Description
For the first time, “MacEge’s Scottish Bagpipe Handbook” offers a comprehensive guide to the handling, care, technique and maintenance of the Great Highland Bagpipe. With his many years of experience, Reinhold Ege provides all bagpipe players with help and advice and gives them systematic and clear, practical and easy-to-understand help in handling their pipes.
The heart of Scottish music
The Great Highland Bagpipe (GHB) is a perfect musical instrument, developed over centuries, which despite its archaic appearance can display diva-like, capricious sensitivities. Every good pipe represents the art of the old Scottish craftsmen, whose ambition and pride was and is to create only the best.
Important care instructions and techniques
The second chapter of “MacEge’s Handbook for the Scottish Bagpipe” explains and compares currently available accessories and spare parts such as water trap, reed protector, goose, case etc. and gives tips for possible and useful improvements to the pipes.
Reeds: selection, set-up and care
The 3rd chapter of “MacEge’s Scottish Bagpipe Handbook” deals intensively with what is probably the most important topic for pipers, the reeds: Nowadays, reeds of both traditional and modern construction are used in the chanter and drones of the pipes, which differ from each other in essential characteristics.
Learning to play on the pipe
The fourth chapter is written especially for beginners who own their first pipe and now want to learn to play: ‘Learning to play the pipe’. The correct operation is explained here and sensible learning steps are shown.
Maintenance and repair work
The chapter on maintenance and repair work in “MacEge’s Scottish Bagpipe Handbook” contains instructions on frequently required care and maintenance work:
- Binding of leather and canmore bags
- Sealing bags
- Maintenance & care of drones and blowpipes
- Maintaining and renewing windings
- Small knot theory
- Attaching mounts
- Oiling the pipes
Why “MacEge’s Scottish Bagpipe Handbook”?
It is undeniable that the Scottish bagpipes are one of those musical instruments that demand a great deal of maintenance and care from their owners. From thirty years of dealing with pipes and many years of experience as an instrument maker, I am very familiar with this problem. It is my goal to provide the beginner and intermediate piper with the skills necessary to take the fear out of crafting and achieve what we all strive for: to be a piper.
Decision support for the Piper
Nevertheless, I advise you to try out my methods in a quiet minute and compare the results. And then you can decide. Frank Pain, to whom I (and others) owe a great deal, once wrote that he had explained to many people in his life exactly how they should have done things properly. So, don’t be discouraged, make your own experiences!
Take your game into your own hands
“MacEge’s Scottish Bagpipe Handbook” is your indispensable companion if you want to ensure that your instrument is always in top form and your playing is constantly improving. From proper maintenance to learning new playing techniques, this manual has everything you need to master your musical skills with the Great Highland Bagpipe. Get involved and experience how you can enrich your passion for the bagpipes with sound knowledge and proven methods.
