Re: [tuning] Digest Number 2722

>
>
> Hi Kraig,
>
> I understand your data is via Erv from
> Podnos, Theodor H.
> Title: Bagpipes and tunings [by] Theodor H. Podnos.
> Published/distributed: Detroit, Mich., Information Coordinators, 1974.
> Physical description: 125 p. illus. 23 cm.
> Series: Detroit monographs in musicology ; no. 3
> Notes: Bibliography: p. 107-111.
> Subject(s): Bagpipe.

Actually i got his book to Erv

>
>
> I first learned of this from you in March 2001 and emailed Ewan
> MacPherson who said he would try to get to read a copy of it. I'm
> guessing he never did find it, or didn't know what to make of it,
> since I've emailed him a few times since, to ask if any progress, and
> have had no reply.
>
> I expect Ewan MacPherson's measurements are quite accurate and
> represent the current fashion.

Possibly the falling away of some of your more ancient material, no longer requires a tuning to accomidate this material.
As much as i love this scale, (using it on some of my first pump organs), i know when i doesn't work.
In a large group though i imagine the difference between instruments would make up for what a lone pipe would need to do.

>
>
> You can see an official tuning sheet from the Australian Pipe Band
> college in 1991, on my website at
> http://dkeenan.com/Music/AFBPAtuning.gif
> They apparently hadn't caught up with the fashion for a 7/4 seventh
> and a narrow octave, since it is
> 9/10 1/1 9/8 5/4 4/3 3/2 5/3 9/5 2/1
>
> But there is apparently no such thing as _THE_ bagpipe tuning. It is
> apparently a somewhat flexible thing.

I would imagine though that the makers would have and do have the final word on this

> Most flexible are the third and
> sixth, next the seventh, and also apparently the fourth. Here are what
> would seem to be the upper and lower limits.
>
> 9/10 1/1 9/8 5/4 27/20 3/2 5/3 9/5 2/1
> 7/8 1/1 9/8 350c 4/3 3/2 850c 7/4 2/1-30c
>
> I love the bagpipes for the fact that, of all instruments used
> commonly in the west, they alone have held out against the 12-equal tide.

well they are instruments of war and resistance is the name of the game. one advantage of a just scale is that it makes a common ground to incorporate
those great instruments of the aboriginals there. Iresently did a program on my show alternating songs from the whites in the 19th century with those of
these people. ending with some very unconforatble music done by people whose parents come from both traditions.

>
>
> -- Dave Keenan
>

-- -Kraig Grady
North American Embassy of Anaphoria Island
http://www.anaphoria.com
The Wandering Medicine Show
KXLU 88.9 FM WED 8-9PM PST

In a message dated 9/23/2003 2:32:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
kraiggrady@anaphoria.com writes:

> I love the bagpipes for the fact that, of all instruments used
> >commonly in the west, they alone have held out against the 12-equal tide.
>
> well they are instruments of war and resistance is the name of the game. one
> advantage of a just scale is that it makes a common ground to incorporate
> those great instruments of the aboriginals there. Iresently did a program on
> my show alternating songs from the whites in the 19th century with those of
> these people. ending with some very unconforatble music done by people whose
> parents come from both traditions.
>

There is another reason. The tone holes of the chanter retain their shape
more than any other "wind" instrument because there is no moisture running
through them. Of course, there is always an oily hand. But bagpipes are reputed
to hold ancient tunings better than any other instrument, including the organ.

best, Johnny R