Choosing the high-quality bagpiper bagpipe case is definitely 1 of the almost all important decisions you'll make after really buying your piping. Let's be honest: bagpipes aren't precisely cheap, and so they aren't the sturdiest things in the entire world either. Between the delicate reeds, the particular aged wood of the drones, and the airtight bag itself, there are a lot of relocating parts that can go wrong if they aren't tucked apart properly. Whether you're a solo competition, a band associate, or just someone that plays for that neighbours, you need a method to move your gear without constantly worrying about cracks or dampness changes.
Why You Can't Just Use Any Old Handbag
I've seen people try in order to get away with using generic instrument cases or, heaven forbid, just tossing their pipes in the backseat of a car. It can make me cringe each time. A collection of pipes is awkward. It's obtained weird angles, long sticks, and also a handbag that doesn't really want to become folded. If you use a case that wasn't specifically made for them, you end up placing pressure on the particular joints or the chanter.
The right bagpiper bagpipe case isn't only a box; it's an item of protective gear. It requires to hold the pipes in a way that will keep the drones from clashing against each other while also providing enough pillow for those unavoidable bumps against door frames or car trunks. Plus, we've got a great deal of accessories. From hemp and polish to tuners plus extra reeds, an excellent case needs in order to have a spot with regard to everything which means you aren't digging with the base of a darkish bag five moments before you're supposed to tune-up.
The Battle Among Hard Shells and Gig Bags
Usually, when you're looking at situations, you're choosing among a hard-shell air travel case and a padded gig bag. Have their location, however they serve quite different masters.
The Hard Case: A Tank for Your Pipes
If you're carrying out a lot of air travel, a hard case is pretty much a non-negotiable. Luggage handlers aren't precisely known for their delicate touch, and a wooden instrument doesn't stand the chance against a 50-pound suitcase getting tossed on best of it. These types of cases are often weighty and bulky, but they offer the maximum amount of "crush" protection. The downside? They are a pain to have around a Highland Games field all day long. They don't usually have backpack straps, and they can be quite a workout for the forearm.
Soft Cases: The Bagpiper Case Style
Then you have the modern gentle cases, like the famous Bagpiper brand case. These have become the gold standard with regard to most pipers simply because they find that sweet spot between becoming lightweight and getting incredibly protective. They usually feature a "teardrop" or "coffin" shape that fits the natural profile of a set of pipes.
What I love about these is the versatility. Many of them arrive with hideaway back pack straps. If you've ever had in order to hike from the particular parking lot to the tuning area at an enormous festival, you know that being able to throw your pipes on your back is a total game-changer. It leaves your fingers free for your water bottle, your music folder, or, let's be real, a coffee.
What Makes the particular Bagpiper Bagpipe Case Different?
When people talk about a "Bagpiper case, " they're often referring to a specific design that really revolutionized how we bring our instruments. Rather of a smooth, rectangular box, these cases are strong. This allows you to store the water lines without having in order to take the capsules completely apart all the time.
You can usually keep the drones attached to the bag, fold them nicely, and zip up. This saves a massive amount of period on the top and back end of a practice program. The padding within these cases is usually usually high-density polyurethane foam wrapped inside a soft velvet or plush material. It retains the wood through getting scratched plus provides a little bit of insulation towards temperature swings.
The structural integrity is also surprisingly good for something which isn't a hard shell. Most of these high-end smooth cases have a reinforced frame, therefore even though it's not really a solid block of plastic, it still holds its shape and won't collapse on your own drones if someone accidentally sets a mild handbag on top associated with it.
Pouches, Zippers, and All That Extra Gear
Let's talk about storage for any second. Pipers are usually notorious for transporting around "stuff. " We now have brushes regarding cleaning the drones, rolls of hemp, various types of wax, pliers, scissors, and a small army associated with chanter reeds tucked away in little plastic containers.
A well-designed bagpiper bagpipe case understands this. You need a case with multiple compartments. I individually prefer a case that will has a devoted sleeve for the particular chanter. The chanter is arguably the particular most vulnerable component of the device because the reed is so exposed. Getting a rigid pipe or a cushioned sleeve just regarding the chanter provides me a lot of peace of mind.
Then there's the particular music. If you're in a tube band, you've probably got a heavy binder of music. Plenty of cases now have a set pocket on the part or the top that's just big more than enough for an A4 folder. It sounds just like a small details, although not having in order to carry a different handbag for your sheet music is one of all those little luxuries that makes life significantly easier.
Travelling and Getting Your Pipes Around Properly
If you're traveling, the bagpiper bagpipe case a person choose needs to suit the "carry-on" requirements if at almost all possible. Most flight companies are okay with instruments, but rather if your case looks like a huge trunk, they might force you to gate-check it. The particular slim profile associated with a modern padded case often matches perfectly in the particular overhead bin.
Another tip: in case you are traveling to a different climate—say, from somewhere damp to somewhere quite dry—your case will be your first line of defense. A great case helps decrease down the changeover. You don't need your pipes in order to dry out as well fast, as that's when the wooden starts to split. Some pipers actually keep a little humidification packet within their case to help keep the internal environment stable. It's a little extra function, but it's way cheaper than replacing a cracked blowpipe or even drone.
Keeping Things Fresh plus Dry
We can't talk regarding cases without talking about moisture. After a long practice session, your bag and your pipes will be damp. One of the biggest mistakes you may make is enjoying for two hours, throwing the wet pipes into a sealed bagpiper bagpipe case, and making them there with regard to three days.
That is definitely a recipe regarding mold, smells, plus potentially damaging the wood. Most great cases have some level of breathability, yet it's always a smart idea to leave the case open for a bit once you get home to let everything air out. Some cases also feature mesh pockets or vents to help with atmosphere circulation. If you utilize the moisture control system inside your pipes, make sure typically the case has enough room to accommodate those canisters or hoses without kinking them.
Final Thoughts on Picking Your Case
At the end of the day time, the very best bagpiper bagpipe case is the particular one that fits your specific lifestyle. If you're a college student who just strolls to a teacher's house, a light-weight gig bag with good straps is probably all you need. If you're the touring professional, a person might want in order to invest in each a heavy-duty air travel case and the sleek gig bag for when you arrive at your own destination.
It's tempting to try and save the few bucks on the case since you already spent therefore much for the water lines, but honestly, that's a bit like buying a Ferrari and after that parking this within leaky woods. Your case is definitely an investment in the longevity of the instrument. It keeps your reeds secure, your wood crack-free, and your back from aching.
Take the look at the particular zippers (they should be heavy-duty), check the stitching on the handles, and create sure the back pack straps feel durable. If it feels such as it's created to last, it probably is definitely. Your pipes have got a voice—make be certain to have a secure place for all of them to rest whenever they aren't singing.