Instruments 3

Another recent addition is the shuttle pipes made by John Walsh of Nova Scotia. They are based on the earliest type of Northumbrian smallpipe, and the French musette. Unlike more common bagpipes, these do not have the long drones that go on the shoulder, or lay across the lap. The musette style 'shuttle' drone looks like a wooden can and has the drones in this compact form. These pipes are very quiet and sweet sounding, and Robert will occasionally use them to accompany a song. Gentlemen of the 18th century were quite fond of playing a variety of parlor pipes, and most were filled with a bellows, like the modern uilleann pipes of Ireland

Back To Instruments 2

"Jamie's Reel" from the Advocates MS, c.1760

The union pipes are an early form of the modern Irish Uilleann pipes, and started as the pastoral pipes in the early 18th century. They have a range of two octaves, and are known for their sweet, expressive sound. Originally the instrument of very wealthy gentlemen, professional players (often blind) soon began to travel the countryside performing for dances and entertaining with a variety of playing styles (early collections for the pastorals contain diverse music from jigs to minuets). The pastoral pipes had an extra 'foot' on the chanter giving it a low leading note so familiar in Scottish music.. The Irish players soon removed the foot and so the Irish technique of 'stopping' on the knee was born. This stacatto technique became a staple of Irish piping and still is, to this day.