MacEge’s Handbook for the Scottish Bagpipe

Description

MacEge’s Handbook for the Scottish Bagpipe

This book is the first comprehensive guide to the handling, care, technology and maintenance of the Great Highland Bagpipe. With his many years of experience Reinhold Ege is at the disposal of all bagpipe players with advice and

The manual provides practical and easy-to-understand help in dealing with your pipe in a systematic and clear manner.

The informative and very detailed written manual is illustrated with well over 100 illustrations and photos. A total of 7 chapters are dedicated to all important topics in detail:

– Detailed descriptions of all parts and their designations

– Wood and materials used in the manufacture

– Different designs and construction of bagpipes

– Explanation of the individual components of the pipes and the PCs: Bags, Stocks, Blowpipe, Valve, Chanter, Drones, Cover & Cords, Practice Chanter, Electronic Chanter …

In the second chapter, currently available accessories and spare parts such as Water Trap, Reed Protector, Goose, Suitcase etc. are explained, compared with each other and tips for possible and useful improvements of the pipes are given.

The 3rd chapter deals intensively with the probably most important topic of the pipers, the reeds: Nowadays, reeds of both traditional and modern construction are used in the chanters and drones of the pipes, which differ from each other in essential characteristics. The characteristics, selection, setup, tuning and treatment of chanter and drone reeds are described in detail. Of course, the book distinguishes between plastic and reed reeds and also deals with special construction methods of individual manufacturers. Extensive tables help the user troubleshoot reeds that are not functioning properly and explain ways to correct the problem.

Especially for beginners who own their first pipe and now want to learn to play, the fourth chapter is written: ‘Learning to play on the pipe’. Here, the correct operation is explained and sensible learning steps are shown. Explanations on posture, proper breathing technique and tuning the drones follow.

In the Maintenance and Repair chapter, instructions are given for frequently required care and maintenance work:

– Binding leather and canmore bags

– Sealing bags

– Drones and Blowpipe Maintenance & Care

– Maintaining and renewing windings

– small knot theory

– Attach mounts

– Oiling the pipes

The manual has been revised again for this 2nd edition in 2007 and expanded to include important topics.