| Border Pipes Introduction to the Border Pipe This was a bagpipe that was played in Lowland Scotland and in Northumberland during the 18th and 19th centuries, that is, from Newcastle to Aberdeen. Unlike many bagpipes that are being "revived" today, there is no doubt that it existed! Museum examples are plentiful, particularly in Scotland and the north of England. The celebrated Northumbrian piper James Allan is known to have played it. Although a casual resemblance to the Highland bagpipe seems to pertain, both instruments having conical chanters , a bag and drones, there are important differences: the Border pipes are usually bellows-blown, the drones issue from a common stock and there are no particular problems with reeds as they operate within a moisture-free environment. Other differences are the chromatic nature of the chanter, the approachable volume, and the repertoire, which overlaps with the older music for (keyless) Northumbrian pipe. With a natural partner in the fiddle, it has been widely taken up by Scottish folk groups. Present-day exponents of the instrument include Fred Morrison, Matt Seattle and Rory Campbell. People wishing to take up the Border pipe will find printed tutors available, an increasing number of makers, and non-standard playing styles that vary agreeably according to musical circumstances. The instruments are individually hand-made from finest materials. Possible drone arrangements are bass and two tenors, or bass tenor and alto. You can play Scottish and Border tunes on these instruments. Pipes
available in Ezeedrone reeds available now please enquire. The pipe plays at a little over smallpipe pressure.
LISTEN HERE: mp3 The sample presents the chromatic notes available, and the general sound, which lies somewhere between GHB and UP. The tune is based on 'Oyster Wife's Rant' from Peacock's Tunes, transposed down a tone.
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| JOHN
BURKE |