How to Make Bagpipes out of a Garbage Bag and Recorders

This instructable is how to make a simple bagpipe like instrument out of basic household materials. Granted, it does not sound all too much like a bagpipe, but it works similarly and is fun to mess around with.

Step 1: Basic construction of bagpipes

At the most basic level, bagpipes have 4 parts:

A bag to hold the air
A blowpipe to blow air into the bag
A chanter to play a melody
And a drone which plays a constant note

Comments

[roystonlodge]

That sounds almost as mind-destroyingly awful as a real set of bagpipes.

[supertoria12]

Agreed.

[Reiff]

How much do "good" (not homemade) bagpipes cost? I found some in the hundred dollar range but I'm not sure if they are "good".

[OriginalPugsly]

At least $1000, the hundred dollar ones are crap.
Also don't buy the plastic ones.

[georizzo]

YOU SIR... ARE GENIUS.

[mmcgartland]

and if the garbage bag does not match your kilt, it is really easy to make a plaid cover.

[ecarr1969]

We used this for my son's cultural night at school. Thanks!

[Oldreds]

I am currently in the process of making mine, but how do I make the reed?

[mikethemaster123]

i kno i r not author, but, the answer is recorders do not use reeds!

[cesar_87]

I have tried to make these bagpipes 4 times and I couldn't, I still CAN'T! and I need to make one urgently, I don't know if the bag is too big, or the recorders are not the most appropiate =/ ='(

[SuperCoPilot]

so my elementary school recorder lessons will come in handy!

[kiafayce]

That sound singlehandedly caused one of the most terrible migraines I have ever had.

I'll pass on this instructable, but kudos for the idea, bro. It's creativee :]

[granolape]

Who says you can't play? My dog really enjoyed the sound from the video.

[sci5]

Squirt- When I bulit the bag pipes, the volume of the bag was too big. I cut the width of the bag shorter by a inch, and duck tape it

[sci5]

Squrit- when i bulit the bag pipes, the volume of the bag was too big. I cut the width of the bag by a few inches, and duck tape it.

[Aklash, The hunchback]

 Wow, that actually sounds a bit like bagpipes. It also sounds like you're strangling a cat but still, impressive.

[mrcheaterson]

"strangling a cat"
So, like a bagpipe.

[harley_rly]

genius! i have to try this now

[a_traceur]

The constant note is an A although the long one is an octave higher.

[laykanay]

by the way, the long drone is a Low A and the two shorter drones are Middle A's, just like the chanter's A.

[Applejacks]

HA i did this same exact thing like a year ago. great minds think alike...

[Ukealyptus]

 I once made a set with three drone reeds, and a custom chanter, except the sound was produced by straw reeds. it worked like a charm and was tuneable, and also a great way to blow off work.

[a_traceur]

My sub a WHILE ago played the bagpipes. So I figured I might as well try to learn, although I am NOT musically talented. I can't even find a beat in a song.

[starfighterzoot]

This is the cleverest instructable instrument I have seen. I will MAKE IT.

[Javin007]

Gotta admit, came in here thinking, "Ugh, he taped recorders to a bag." I see that not only did a lot more thought go into this, but it actually turned out to be a very interesting and enjoyable instructable! 5 stars and my vote!

[wasabi32746]

Much appreciated

[Javin007]

:D You should attach additional drones with the appropriate holes covered so they play a chord. Hope you have a hell of a set of lungs, though.

[Azayles]

That is pure genius! One of the FUNNIEST instructables I've seen in a LONG time, that was hilarious, whimsical and brilliant :-D Top marks!

[wasabi32746]

Thanks

[worleyll]

You could also use a large grocery bag and just tie the handle together to make a bag (that's what I did and it works great) +Plus you would be recycling!

[linuxnewbie]

Might be able to save cash by using the instructable for PVC recorders-
http://www.instructables.com/id/PVC-Recorder/

Also, it occurs to me that a better option for the bag might be the water bladders that are used by restaurants to bulk pack coffee. Another option for the bag could be the vinyl blow up beach balls that can be purchased from a dollar store. A little more money, but might last a little longer.

[tmfark]

Try http://guido.gonzato.googlepages.com/whistle.html for other pvc whistles and tuning them. With a stronger bag and some work you should be able to make a 'real' bagpipe. Have to find me a bagpipe page.

Good project for the kids, if they are going home somewhere else!

[wasabi32746]

Anything pretty large and able to be made airtight would work fine with this project. And never thought of using those PVC recorders, thats a good idea.

[capricorn]

This is so funny I could go and sew a kilt just to go with. Nice one mate :)

[Jake-off]

Make actually put out a book filled with many projects. one of the projects was bagpipes made from PVC pipe and leather.

http://www.ehhs.cmich.edu/~dhavlena/bagpipe.htm

[JonathanCM]

Thank you! I just quickly made some with 2 irish flutes instead of recorders. Works well!

[karossii]

some oboes would be a more bagpipey sound, I would think. Great idea though for a fun afternoon project to drive your family batty!

[bobwantzanapple]

oboes require lips to play them, recorders just need airflow

[karossii]

I didn't say it was feasible, only that it would be a more bagpipey sound, lol. Any reed instrument would need a special artificial embouchure of some sort to function, but the bagpipe certainly uses something akin to a reed instrument based on its sound.

[PKM]

Don't oboes require an actual mouth to play? I figured as reeded instruments they might not work so well with just air flow. You can get bass recorders- might be worth digging one of those out for the drone part. I second the request for video, the scots can put their fingers in their ears while you play "Scotland the Brave" on a garbage bag :P