Uilleann Bagpipes

Also called "Irish Pipes" or "Union Pipes"

Photo: Ancient uilleann piper. Photographic credit: National Gallery of Ireland.

The uilleann (pronounced ill'-in) pipes are Irish bagpipes. Those addicted to the uilleann pipes describe them as beautiful, complex, ancient, mysterious, and even a hive of honeyed sound.

The most obvious difference between them and the great Highland bagpipes of Scotland is that the uilleann pipes are not blown with the mouth; air is pumped into the bag by means of a bellows attached to the human elbow. Also, uilleann pipes are not as loud. However, there are other special features of uilleann pipes.

Although uilleann pipes have been around since the early 1600's, their revival in modern times began in the 1960's with a musical group called The Chieftains. More recently, the uilleann pipes have been widely seen in the Riverdance band, and this has excited a great deal of interest.

It should be understood that uilleann pipes are much more difficult to play than standard Scottish pipes, and they are also a great deal more expensive.

There are three parts to a full set of uilleann pipes:

1. Bellows, bag and chanter, sometimes called a starter or practice set. The chanter has a range of two full octaves, unlike Scottish pipes which have only nine notes; it has a double reed. The uilleann chanter plays a standard two-octave diatonic scale in key of D or G.  Sometimes this basic set is used to play  melody, in the same way that a clarinet or oboe might be used. You start playing  this starter set right at the beginning; you do not traditionally play any kind of practice chanter first, the way players of standard highland pipes do, although more recently an uilleann practice chanter has been developed (see below). The fingering is not the same as for standard pipes.

2. The drones. There are three drones: tenor, baritone and bass, each with a single reed. You should play the starter set for about a year before you add drones.

3. The regulators. There are three regulators: tenor, baritone and bass, each with a double reed. Regulators, which are not found on Scottish pipes at all, are pipes with keys that play notes in accompaniment to the chanter; a full set of regulators has thirteen keyed notes. The keys are played by leaning your wrist on them. The regulators are the hardest part of uilleann pipes; if you are a beginner, you can put off buying the regulators for a long time (and these are the most expensive part of the set). Indeed, many players never get to adding the regulators at all.

This means that a full set of uilleann pipes plays the tune, has drones playing, and also accompanies itself with other notes on the regulators all at the same time. The piper therefore has to pump the bellows with his elbow while he plays the chanter with both hands and leans his wrist on the keys of the regulators. To the uninitiated, it must seem that an uilleann piper has to have three hands to do it all, or preferably four; the good players make this all look very easy.

The chanter reeds for our uilleann pipes are plastic. They are not guaranteed by the makers to play the second octave as well as the first octave; you can perhaps get a better second octave by trying different plastic reeds, fiddling with the reeds, or trying cane reeds from other makers (we do not have any cane uilleann chanter reeds here at The Harp and Dragon).

If You Decide to Purchase Uilleann Pipes

These pipes are not easy for beginners to deal with by themselves; you may have difficulties with reeds or other parts of these sets. Large amounts of both patience and persistence are needed, as well as a lot of practice. You may need help from an experienced uilleann player to play them. These pipes do not supply instant gratification! Why do we tell you this? Because, of all the instruments that we sell, uilleann pipes cause the most difficulties. In their native Ireland, uilleann pipes are never played by isolated beginners; there is always a teacher. We suggest you think hard about this before ordering these pipes, as they require a commitment of time and effort on your part.

Uilleann Pipes by Mid-East

The uilleann pipes by Mid-East are a well-made instrument with good reeds.

Uilleann Chanter With Mouth Blowing Attachment

UL1A. Rosewood uilleann practice chanter. This consists of a regular rosewood uilleann chanter plus additional rosewood/plastic tube that  attaches for mouth blowing. If you buy the starter set UL2 below, you remove the rosewood/tubing piece when you put this chanter onto the starter set. The length of the chanter pieces is 14 3/4", including the wound joint. The extra piece that attaches for blowing, including rubber tube, is an additional 14 1/2" long. Comes with reed. This rosewood chanter is lighter in weight than the ebony chanter below. $65 (List price $78)

Ebony Uilleann Chanter With Brass Keys

UL1B. Ebony uilleann chanter with three keys. This does not operate as a chanter on its own; it works only when attached to the uilleann starter set UL2. 14 1/2" long overall. Comes with  reed. $218 (List price $259)

Uilleann Starter Set Without Chanter

UL2. Uilleann starter set has  heavy-duty synthetic bag and wood/synthetic bellows. Includes a built-in brass-and-rosewood cup for attaching drones later on (there is a plug in the cup to prevent air from escaping). $315

The chanter is not included with this starter set; to play it, you need to add one of the chanters UL1A or UL1B listed above.

The uilleann starter set is shown at left with the ebony practice chanter.

Uilleann Drones and Valve

UL3. These ebony-and-brass drones along with the brass-and-rosewood valve are what you add to the starter set to make a half set of uilleann pipes. $499

See next photo below for what a half set of uilleann looks like.

Uilleann Half Set

Uilleann half set. This is composed of:

1. A chanter (UL1A or UL1B)
2. Starter set (UL2)
3. Drones/valve set (UL3)

The uilleann half set at left is shown with the ebony practice chanter.

Uilleann Regulator Set

UL4. Set of three regulators only. These are made of ebony and brass as shown at left. You add the regulators to a half set to make a full set. $1080.

See photo below that shows a full uilleann set.

Full Uilleann Set

A full set of uilleann consists of:

1. Chanter (UL1A  or B)
2. Starter set (UL2)
3. Drones and valve (UL3)
4. Regulators (UL4)

Uilleann Parts Available Separately

20A. Bellows and connecting pipe. $130 Currently not available apart from starter set.

20B. Connector piece between bellows and bag $17 Available on order.

20C. Chanter connector (U-shaped piece from bag to chanter) $43 In stock.

20D. Valve only (the drones and regulators plug into this piece) $170 Available on order.

20E. Valve stock (also called the cup) $45 Available on order.

Uilleann Reeds

Reeds for Mid-East uilleann sets:

UL30A. Chanter reed (plastic): $6

UL30B. Bass drone reed (cane): $4
UL30C. Tenor drone reed (cane): $4
UL30D. Baritone drone reed (cane): $4
UL30E. Regulator reed (plastic): $4

UL31. Chanter reed from Bagpipes Galore! The current uilleann chanter reeds from Bagpipes Galore look similar to the one at left, but are all black. Length: 2 7/8". $20

Uilleann Hard Case

UL40. Uilleann hard case. This one is large enough to carry a full uilleann set. Black exterior, choice of red or black fabric lining. Brass closure with combination locking mechanism. Inside measurements: 27" x  9" x 6". $72

A note for players of highland bagpipes: This case also works well for anyone looking for an extra roomy case for your pipes.

Uilleann Pipe Manual

We have an uilleann manual by Spillane. This is described on the page of  Music Books etc. for all Irish instruments.

Assembly Hints for Your Uilleann Pipes

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The Harp and Dragon
25 Madison St, Cortland, NY 13045 USA
Telephone and Fax 607-756-7372