Intro to My Fred Morrison A/D Combo Smallpipes 

Oh wow, you made my day, thank you! I know it's a long video and probably goes into more than most want to know, but I really made it for people like you who are interested in playing bellows pipes and maybe considering buying a set. In case you're interested, after this video a friend encouraged me to start a channel dedicated to all things bagpipes, "Dave the Piper." It's not so much an instructional series as an educational one. I've been sidetracked the past year but hopefully will continue the series soon. Hope you enjoy it too, and let me know if you get into bellows smallpipes!

Thanks Mom! It's a real joy to play and share this instrument, and I have YOU and Dad to thank for letting me get started with bagpiping so many years ago...thank you! Love you Mom!

Hello Cat, thank you so much for your kind comment and taking time to write! I'm so glad the video has been helpful and hopefully inspiring to you. I probably should've played more and talked less, but I'm not real experienced with videos! Should you decide to buy a set of these smallpipes, don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance. Very best regards, Dave

@@skirlofthepipes Hi Mr Dave Kilmer, Thank you so much for your gently reply to me. I’m so glad and heartening. I couldn’t still get the Fred Morrison Smallpipes A/D, but I will definitely get it at someday. I wish you has been enjoy the music and have a nice everyday! Best regards

Yes! Me too, Brandon, such a joy to play them!

@@skirlofthepipes are you still using the original reeds or did you replace them

@@brandontheblinddude5302 I'm still using the original that came with the set; however, I also went ahead and order two extra for both the A and D chanters to have as spares. But the ones they were set up with are doing great even after two years...that's the advantage of bellows over mouth-blown...the reeds can last much longer! The EZ-Drone reeds in the drones have been fine too, no issues. How about you?

@@skirlofthepipes I had to replace the reed in the A baritone/D bass cause I had some issues with it, however I’m still using the original reeds in the rest of the drones as well as the chanters. I’m quite new to bellows so I’m still trying to figure things out.

@@brandontheblinddude5302 I too was new to bellows when I bought the Reelpipes a year before I bought the Smallpipes. That's GREAT that you are learning this new skill! It gets easier with practice over time, as with all things, and you'll soon get to the point where it all feels second-nature. One thing I did after this video was replace the leather torso strap with a nylon one with quick-release clasp, like on soft luggage. Makes it a lot easier to put on and remove! I'm glad to hear from you, hope the video was helpful, and I'd be glad to help if you ever need any. I'm in a local celtic band here in Richmond called "Albafeire," and we're on FB and IG if you'd like to follow us. And if you're ever in Richmond let me know and we'll have a jam session! : )

Thank you Lochlainn, these are a real joy to play, and gradually I'm getting better and the bellows are becoming "second-nature." I hope this video was helpful to you!

Hello! I'll be glad to try and help. Are your smallpipes the A/D Combo set, or just the A set? You're correct that the baritone drone should be tuned to concert E (approx. 330 Hz), while the low A drone should be 440 Hz and the high A an octave higher. If you'd like, remove the drone reeds from all three and set them side-by-side (being careful to remember which drones they came from) and send me a pic...I'll compare to the reeds in my set. My email is dakolmer@gmail.com.

Glad we could figure it out together, and I hope you have so much fun learning and playing your new Morrison smallpipes!

Hey Andrew, I just checked out their website and see they performed at Celtic Connections last year and they sound great! Awesome musicians all! I see they're based in Glasgow now. I'm friends with a radio host named Fiona McNeill...she does a Tuesday show called "Celtic & Folk Fusions" and sometimes interviews performers. Her show is carried on several stations including Celtic Music Radio, and Dunoon Community Radio. I listen to her via the TuneIn app, you should check it out. Think Breabach might be interested in an interview someday? Maybe between you and me we could put them in touch with each other?