Chiff and Fipple Forums

There are 4 main keys for flat sets - Bb, B, C and C#. If you plan to be a loner and then the key you choose is probably down to personal taste.

However, when you still want to play occasionally with other musicians (fiddles, guitars, etc), I imagine that a C chanter is a better choice. Does any "flat piper" have any suggestions?

The answer is obvious - get one of each!

djm

PJ wrote:There are 4 main keys for flat sets - Bb, B, C and C#. If you plan to be a loner and then the key you choose is probably down to personal taste.

However, when you still want to play occasionally with other musicians (fiddles, guitars, etc), I imagine that a C chanter is a better choice. Does any "flat piper" have any suggestions?

If your playing is persuasive, then other competent musicians will be willing to tune to your instrument, even if it's in a wierd key like B natural.


Many fiddlers find it relaxing and enjoyable to play fiddle in B, Bb, or C, and flat pipes + compatibly tuned fiddle go together "like ham and eggs".

If you want the flexibility to be able to play a flat set with a concertina, then probably a C set is your best choice. Other than that, get whatever you like best.

B limits you to playing with a compatibly tuned fiddle (E-B-F#-C#), a B whistle, and or a compatibly tuned accompanist with a very light touch. This is not a bad thing: some of the most beautiful recordings I have ever heard used just such an arrangement.

C# - a fiddler would need to tune to F#-C#-G#-D# or if you like Gb-Db-Ab-Eb, it's all the same. See B for description of limitations.

Bb flutes exist (and they're utterly gorgeous, BTW), and tuning the fiddle to Bb (Eb-Bb-F-C) works well, too. I have never heard Bb pipes and Bb flute together, but I imagine it's a great sound.

With B and Bb tunings, your fiddling partner may need to use some heavier strings, including a wound E (1st) string.

Pat Cannady wrote:If your playing is persuasive, then other competent musicians will be willing to tune to your instrument, even if it's in a wierd key like B natural.

My piping has often persuaded people to go home early, if that's what you mean.

But seriously, thank for the advice. From what gather, C is probably the easiest all round, although I agree that Bb has the nicest sound.

By the way, a nice mix of flute and pipes (and fiddle and didgeridoo) in Bb is the Chieftain's version of Strayaway Child. Molloy's flute could calm a raging bull and the flat set Moloney plays melts my medulla oblongata every time I hear it.

PJ wrote:Molloy's flute could calm a raging bull and the flat set Moloney plays melts my medulla oblongata every time I hear it.

... can one say medulla oblongata on C&F?

C, señor.

C would be my vote...

This topic comes up enough to repeat.
Chanters were once referenced by their length and not their pitch. Many play somewhere between modern standards... so that Bb chanter you order could play sharp of Bb. Check with the pipemaker you plan on ordering from to see if he's made pitch adjustments or is duplicating a vintage set.

Z flat

PJ wrote:There are 4 main keys for flat sets - Bb, B, C and C#. If you plan to be a loner and then the key you choose is probably down to personal taste.

However, when you still want to play occasionally with other musicians (fiddles, guitars, etc), I imagine that a C chanter is a better choice. Does any "flat piper" have any suggestions?

Bb flat sets are rare and C# sets uncommon. Most people end up with C or B.

You might pick the key that you want and then also add on a D chanter. You wouldn't play the regs or drone with it but you could play in a session.

Any key which I could afford with a minimum of waiting

...ok C, B, Bb. Really torn between C or Bb, having gotten to play a few.

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

So, ummm, Pat. Which key do you prefer?

I've only played a B. Honestly, I find very little difference between D and C# (other than I can't play along with Seamus Ennis recordings ).

I really like the sound of Bb chanter Paddy Moloney plays from time to time. I don't know whether it's the fact that it's Bb or whether there is a special quality about that particular chanter (or even the recording). Some Liam O'Flynn recordings have a B chanter (I think it's B) and that's wounderful stuff. Then again, is it the fact it is B or the particular chanter

I suppose the only way to be really sure is to get to play a few different chanters. I'll have to try get myself to the Pipers Gathering in Vermont in August. It's the nearest big piping event to Quebec.

I think a lot of it will be who the pipe maker is that makes the flat set. To my ears, not all of them sound the same when in the same key. I would not cross off a C# set from your list until you have played a really nice set.
On a C# the holes are closer and I find it easier to play. I really like the sound of a B or B flat, but my hands are too short.

I vote C#.

....... Ed