[Jim Richards]

Ireland?

[Jase007]

u asked for it ...

Bagpipes are classified as aerophones - reed instruments that utilize an air reservoir. The reservoir allows an uninterrupted stream of air to be directed through the reeds. Their antiquity can be traced throughout Asia, in North Africa and across Europe. Various forms of bagpipes have been attributed to many ancient civilizations. Some historians believe the bagpipes had their origin in Sumaria, while others believe bagpipes were spread to Persia, India, and the Roman Empire by the Celtic peoples. An Athenian dramatist, writing in the fifth century BC, mentioned the bagpipe. The true origin is still cloudy, resulting in limited knowledge of the history and development of the bagpipe.

It has been pointed out that the cloudy history of the bagpipe may be explained in the nature of the pipes themselves. Most importantly, they do not survive the ravages of time. Made of wood and skins the ancient ancestors of the bagpipes have long since gone to dust. The other reason is that the bagpipes have been a commoner’s, or peasant’s instrument. It is unfortunately true that historians tend to dwell on the lifestyle of the rich and famous. The more modern bagpipes, that most of us are familiar with, were actually a war instrument. It was not uncommon for armies to utilize any means at their disposal to instill fear into their enemy. Costumes and loud music were favorite methods of creating fear in the enemy. Some say that the bagpipe was especially suited to this purpose, not just for the sound they create. Blowing a flute or whistle while being attacked can become very difficult when your throat tightens up. The reservoir allowed the piper to play continually, even when breathing may have been difficult.

Scotland ... Ireland .... Wales ... England ... who knows.

Jase

[Don Wohlfarth]

"The reservoir allowed the piper to play continually, even when breathing may have been difficult."

I guess they were designed that way in case someone was choking the bagpipe player.

[Vicegrip]

I am stunned that there is no reply from CD with regards to the "Ireland" comment. Dirk must have passed clean out!

Don, funny as always!

Jason, Thanks for the enlightenment. I always assumed that bagpipes evolved from live cats. If you squeeze them and they sound the same.

[Chopper Dropper]

No respect at all for the noble ,melodious instrument closely related to the Haggis. The bagpipes are generally considered the instrument of Scotland, though the Irish ( :P to Dave Riley) have some claim. There are also versions in Cornwall England and Bretons in France have a version. Hoping to have the music installed by VIR but it is second place to the Gearbox. Dave is right that I will drive or attempt to drive the wheels off of anything I can get on the track. The 911 did 4 years service through red run group being driven to Mid-Ohio ,the Glen, VIr etc many, many times pulling a trailer with tyres etc and only minor, fixable problems. Oiled plugs once, stuck throttle cable at full chat going into #1at SP was fun..Otherwise just a couple of on track spins.The 914/6 has had a couple more problems, is faster, spun quite a few times but no damage, and a blast to drive.Any more victims out there want to lend me their wheels for a couple of laps??
Dirk[/img]

[bettyc]

Can't lend you mine Dirk. Then you'd know all the "secrets".

As an aside, it was not uncommon for early Scottish warriors to drop their kilts as they were running into battle and fight only in their long shirts. I'm not sure what that was meant to instill but I'm not sure fear is the correct word.

BTW-get the Quaiffe. It's worked very well for me. Oops....I didn't say that! Forget it Dirk. You don't need no stinking LSD!

[Chopper Dropper]

Thanks for the tip betty, I had noticed the inside rear spinning up on some turns so a new quaife/LSD may well be in the picture. I f I drop my kilt and wage war, I'm sure it would be frightening!! Any more "tips"???
Dirk

[Don Wohlfarth]

Dirk, did you look at the 915 option? What are you going to do?

[bettyc]

Yes Dirk, inquiring minds want to know. Don and I both rejected the 915 option as being too expensive but if you've found a low cost alternative we'd love to hear about it.

[Chopper Dropper]

Low cost????? on a Porsche Board????
Dirk