
My partner and I play a few non-wind instruments between us and we both now want to learn the smallpipes. We play mostly in G, D and relative minors (with the occasional Bb, Eb, F and G# accidentals thrown-in for good measure). From research so far:
- I think we need Northumbrian smallpipes in concert G
- I think 7 keys will allow us to play in keys of G, D and the relative minors but we would need 17 keys to get the accidentals.
- I've read that concert G can sound "squeaky", and that the finger spacing can be very tight, but that it's the best tuning for English sessions and mixed-instrument concert work
How much of a problem is the tight fingering?
I presume it would be best to learn with 7 keys and then change the chanter to one with 17 keys - is this correct?
What else do I need to consider?
I have engineering skills/machinery and have made several instruments so I plan to make a set of pipes eventually but would prefer to buy a used instrument to get started on - where is a good place to buy? Has anyone here got something suitable to sell?