How Do You Tell The Difference Between Various Types Of Bagpipes?
Imagine scores of Irish warriors charging a Roman legion with thunderous bagpipes accompanied by a pounding drum cadence. Commonly known bagpipes are the Scottish Highland Pipes or Irish War Pipes; the Uilleann Pipes; and the Shuttle Pipes. Bagpipes have a wonderful history, beginning with the grand Scottish Highland Pipes, the most popular and recognizable in the world. Note the size of the bagpipes: Scottish Highlander bagpipes are nearly 3 feet long when fully extended; Uilleann (ILL-uhn) pipes about 24 inches and shuttle pipes about 16 inches. Measure bagpipes from the top of the pipes to the lower portion of the air supply. Observe the source of air for the pipes. Identify Uilleann pipes by the bellows. Examine whether the piper blows air into the pipes or if they are inflated with a bellows under the piper’s arm. Listen for the pitch of the drones: the constant background sound behind the music of the pipes. Count the number of drones that are audible: one, two or three. Listen f
