CELTIC KNOT PIEDMONTESE BAGPIPE IN G MAJOR / MINOR WITH 2 DRONES

 Description

  • Elsbere Wood (Sorbus Torminalis)
  • Wood Chanter in G4 major /minor (440 Hz).
  • Celtic Knot design and decoration (see pictures)
  • Bass Drone in G2, two octaves below the tonic of the chanter, with removable inside pear carved bell.
  • Tenor Drone in G3, one octaves below the tonic of the chanter, with removable inside pear carved bell.
  • Shellac Finish (Shine)
  • Plastic chanter reed
  • Plastic drone reed
  • Leather seasoned bag / Gore-tex® Canmore Bag with ZIP and Black Cover
  • Blow intubated with plastic tube and with nontoxic black delrin mouth piece.
  • Soft Case for Piedmontese Piva, with 2 cm protective padding, shoulder belt, handle and top pocket.

Bagpipe with medium volume, good for playing with accordeons, hurdy gurdy and other folk instruments.


There is possibility to have this bagpipe with black delrin chanter instead of wood. Please specify when ordering.



Waiting Time: 7 weeks
Price: 1200 Euro
Bag:
Quantity

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Fingering, Tuning and Key

What fingering system does the Piva Piemontese use?

It uses open fingering, which is easy to learn and ideal for both beginners and experienced players.

Is it possible to play in both Major and Minor scales?

Yes, the G4 chanter allows you to switch between major and minor keys. For more details, click on the fingering chart link above.

How are the two drones tuned?

The bass drone is tuned to G2 (two octaves below the chanter's tonic), while the second drone is tuned an octave higher to G3. The octave interval between the two drones creates a rich and deep harmonic background.

What other instruments can I play alongside?

The instrument is tuned to A = 440 Hz, the standard pitch for playing in ensembles with hurdy-gurdies, accordions, flutes, guitars, and other acoustic or electric instruments.

2. Material Options: Wood (Service Wood) vs Delrin

What are the advantages of the black Delrin chanter?

Delrin provides absolute stability: it is unaffected by humidity or temperature changes, does not require warming up before playing, and maintains perfect tuning in any weather condition.

Are there differences in sound or price between the wooden chanter and the Delrin one?

Tone and overall sound remain practically identical to the Sorbus (Service wood) chanter. However, the Delrin chanter has slightly less overall volume. The total price of the instrument remains unchanged (just specify your preference in the order notes).

3. Bag and Maintenance

What is the difference between the Leather bag and the Canmore synthetic bag?

The leather bag offers a traditional feel and comes pre-seasoned, ready for immediate use. The Canmore synthetic bag in Gore-Tex® provides maximum breathability, requires zero waterproofing maintenance, and features a convenient zipper for internal inspection and drying.

What maintenance do plastic reeds require?

Both the chanter reed and the two drone reeds are made of synthetic material. They are unaffected by moisture from blowing, guarantee long-term pitch stability, and require minimal maintenance compared to traditional cane reeds.

4. Volume and Structural Features

How loud is the two-drone Piva?

It features a moderate yet very rich and balanced volume, designed for acoustic settings without overpowering other instruments. Compared to the single-drone model, the second drone enriches the overall sound presence. Playing indoors may still disturb neighbours or overpower very delicate acoustic instruments.

What is the difference between the two-drone model and the single-drone model?

The two-drone Piva offers a full and enveloping sound: the octave tuning between the two drones generates rich harmonics that complement the chanter melody. The single-drone model provides a more essential, compact, and focused accompaniment.

What is the function of the removable pear-shaped bell on the drone?

The hollow pear-shaped bell gives a warm, smooth color to the drone sound. Being removable, it also makes the instrument more compact and easier to store in its carrying case.

5. Learning, Support and Customization

Is the Piva Piemontese suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, the blowing pressure required and the open fingering system make it accessible to beginners. For those starting from scratch, we highly recommend practicing fingering alongside a Practice Chanter, or starting directly with the student set which includes the practice chanter.

What is included in the package?

The Piva Piemontese comes complete with reeds, non-toxic black Delrin mouthpiece, choice of bag (leather or synthetic) with black fabric cover, and a padded soft case (2 cm padding) with shoulder strap, handle, and top pocket.

When does the 7-week lead time begin?

The stated lead time begins upon order confirmation and the start of handcrafted production in our workshop.

Can I request custom engravings or artwork?

Yes, aesthetic customizations via pyrography or wood carving (such as patterns or initials) can be requested by contacting us prior to or during order placement.

Do you provide post-sale support or spare parts?

Absolutely. As direct artisan makers, we provide ongoing post-sale support for reed adjustment, wood maintenance, and any replacement parts you may need over time.

6. Tuning, Adjustment and Wood Care (from User Manual)

How are the drones tuned and adjusted?

Tuning is adjusted by lengthening or shortening the drones: lengthening the drone makes the note flatter (lower), while shortening it makes it sharper (higher). To tune, play the note G on the chanter: the bass drone must be tuned to G (two octaves below the chanter) and the tenor in G (one octave below the chanter). The hemp/thread windings on the joints should slide smoothly but remain snug without play; otherwise, air will leak, making tuning impossible. Specific synthetic thread is included in the package to adjust the joint thickness.

What is the purpose of the sponges inside the drone stocks?

Inside the drone stocks, there are natural foam sponges designed to absorb moisture from the airflow and ensure an even air stream to the reed. They should be removed and checked every six months. Replacement sponges are included in the package. Please note: sponges must never be inserted into the blowpipe stock.

What care and maintenance does Service Tree (Sorbus) wood require?

To preserve the wood over time, it is necessary to oil the internal bores of the drones, stocks, and chanter (if made of wood) at least twice a year using exclusively **pure almond oil**. Always dry off any moisture and saliva residue after playing. Never use alcohol to clean the instrument, as it will destroy the handcrafted shellac finish.

What precautions should I take after playing?

It is essential to remove the cane reed from the chanter and disconnect the blowpipe from the bag. If the blowpipe is left inserted, accumulated saliva can rot the bindings or risk cracking the wooden stock. Additionally, after about an hour of continuous playing, it is recommended to dry off condensation inside the chanter to keep the tuning stable.

How do I handle cold weather or extreme temperature changes?

Cold weather makes the tuning flat, while warm weather makes it sharp. Before adjusting the reed, play for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the wood to warm up and the tuning to stabilize. If the temperature drops below -5°C (23°F), playing is not recommended to prevent wood cracks caused by thermal shock. Never use hairdryers or heaters to dry the instrument.

How do I correctly handle the chanter to prevent breakage?

The chanter is the most delicate part of the instrument. To insert or remove it from the stock, grip **exclusively on the wooden mount ("bulb/ball")** located near the joint. Never exert leverage or twisting force on the middle or end section of the chanter, as this may cause it to snap.

What should I do if the leather bag or hemp bindings show minor air leaks?

To check airtightness, place stoppers on the drone and chanter stocks and inflate the bag. If the bindings have loosened (a natural occurrence due to micro-movements of new wood), re-bind them tightly using the provided black synthetic thread. If the leather bag loses airtightness after about a year, we supply our specific seasoning fat to restore sealing (do not use Airtight Seasoning or products designed for Scottish Highland bagpipes).