Should I get a G-sharp key?

Baen · Post by **Baen** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 7:29 pm

I'm in the process of getting a half set made. Well, I should say that it hasn't been started yet, but I'm on the waiting list.

At any rate, I'm getting C natural and F natural keys, but I'm undecided about whether I should also get G-sharp. I'll be a complete beginner (yes, decided to go for the half set despite that fact), other than playing the whistle for a couple of years.

How important is G sharp? What types of tunes is it mostly used in, and how soon would a beginner get to the point in wanting to use it? I'm trying to weigh the point in getting it sooner than later (or perhaps not at all)--perhaps easier to get it installed at the outset than having to send your set back to have it added at a later point, or perhaps it would be one more thing for a beginner to stumble over...

Any suggestions or insight would be great.

- a hopeful piper to be

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 7:50 pm

Go for four keys... do it and don't look back!

Joseph E. Smith · Post by **Joseph E. Smith** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 9:14 pm

If you are thinking of eventually having your chanter fully keyed, it is best to have it made fully keyed from the start...according to most, adding keys at a later date may cause the chanter's tuning to go hay-wire. Take the plunge.

Jim McGuire · Post by **Jim McGuire** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 10:04 pm

Do it upfront and consider the effect on resale.

djm · Post by **djm** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 10:11 pm

Agreed. If you are planning on this being your once in a lifetime chanter and not just a beginner model, get four keys: Fnat, G#, A#, Cnat. That will cover you for just about any eventuallity.

What would you use them for? There's some hornpipes that call for odd notes (from the accordian world), set pieces, a few jigs, etc. The four keys plus cross fingerings will meet any contingency.

djm

Antaine · Post by **Antaine** » Sun Jul 11, 2004 2:12 pm

in ar phingin, in ar phunt

Baen · Post by **Baen** » Mon Jul 12, 2004 4:29 pm

Thanks for the advice from everyone--it makes sense---except the post from Antaine. in ar phingin, in ar phunt...? Translation, anyone? Secret piper code?

best,
Baen

Patrick D'Arcy · Post by **Patrick D'Arcy** » Mon Jul 12, 2004 5:00 pm

In for a penny, in for a pound

djm · Post by **djm** » Mon Jul 12, 2004 5:51 pm

It means "your pigeon is f***d".

djm

Patrick D'Arcy · Post by **Patrick D'Arcy** » Mon Jul 12, 2004 6:20 pm

Oh, and in answer to your original question... if you have the dosh then why not... it's a nice bit o' jewelry to have.

PD.

Baen · Post by **Baen** » Mon Jul 12, 2004 7:29 pm

I appreciate the translations

fel bautista · Post by **fel bautista** » Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:19 pm

Patrick D'Arcy wrote:Oh, if you have the dosh then why not...
PD.

Is that the gaelic for "if it ain't got that bling, it anin't gonna swing"? sorry Patrick, it was the Chimay that's doin' the talking