Are bagpipes the most anti-social instrument ever?

[ScottishHeather77]

I say this as a Scot!
Have just moved to a new build estate which is not even completed yet. There is someone who has been playing bagpipes (badly) for the last week every day for about an hour. The sound is carrying clearly right across the estate, I'm pretty sure its coming from quite far away but its still very loud and noticeable when sitting in the garden. I feel bad for their direct neighbours!
I can't imagine ever thinking that playing bagpipes is acceptable when I know people are trying to relax in their gardens etc. Do you think instruments like bagpipes should be played at home or in a setting like a community hall etc? I know they need to practice but they are just so LOUD (and annoying when badly played). Sorry to anyone who plays the bagpipes!

I'm sorry, but I now have the theme song from The Family Ness stuck in my head.

As a Scot I agree!

I love the bagpipes, but there’s a time and a place. I love to listen to a good player for a short period when the occasion calls for it.... but a badly playing neighbour every day when I’m trying to work or enjoy my garden? No way!

It is an antisocial instrument when played like that.

Anything played badly is absolutely grim. Bagpipes and violins may tie for top of the pops though.

How is anyone ever meant to practice? If it's only for an hour a day then it's not unreasonable.

The recorder.

I'd prefer them to the euphonium any day.

I've wondered who invented bagpipes and thought, "Well, that sounds lovely." They're an abomination.

Scottish here and I generally agree.

OK in the right (very limited) setting otherwise like a flock of geese being strangled.

I'm not keen on bagpipes but I'd rather hear someone learning a real instrument than someone else's choice of amplified music.

@ladymalfoy

The recorder.

especially when x30

I used to live next to a bag pipe player. (very briefly.) I actually liked to here it. I had an ex who could pay as well. I assume you mean the highland pipes.

Bagpipes seem to be a bit of a marmite issue. I can’t stand the fucking things and DD loves them. I read somewhere that Queen Victoria used to have them played every morning under her bedroom window and I had a panic attack at the thought.

My mum had a piper at her wedding. It's so loud when it's right next to you!

An hour a day I could probably forgive, but yeah it's a very loud noise.

I think a recorder is worse even when it's played well.

They sound awful under any circumstances in my view.

Oh I love the bagpipes at the right place and time. ..but that would drive me nuts..

Bagpipes are absolutely awful.

I'm a Scot and I absolutely fucking hate them. Anyone who says they aren't antisocial has never stood right next to them. You can feel your earwax loosening.

I think any music practise needs to be done indoors with the windows closed. Almost no-one is good enough that there neighbours will want to hear them.

I had no musical knowledge growing up, but I'm learning via DD experiences.

DD age 9 plays saxophone, the only way she can play it is at full volume. It takes more expertise than she has to play quietly, if she tries to cut her volume, sound cuts out altogether.

Violin is painful in the hands of a beginner, but DD is becoming competent. I wasn't originally that keen, but I'm becoming more impressed with it as an instrument. It seems quite versatile.

There should be a law against anyone continuing with recorder after more than two years, it's an intrinsically annoying sound no matter well it's played.

Piano is the safest choice, you can play a digital piano with headphones, and even if you don't, at least you don't need skill for the individual notes not to hurt the ear. I think it's the best option for anyone who is just learning for their own amusement.

I love bagpipes. When I was growing up, my Aunt's neighbour would play the pipes. We lived over a mile away, but we'd hear them loud and clear. When his son drowned he only played laments and it became very sad.

I have someone in the area I live in that plays them in the garden - absolutely love it. My old next door neighbour used to play them outside too, sometimes his family (all professional players) would join in too - I really enjoyed it.

I love the bagpipes PLAYED WELL. Highland Cathedral makes me well up. I used to walk along the canal to work and would often come across people practising there, away from anyone. And to answer your question, violin and recorder are worse

I know a piper who has a practice chanter so he doesn't drive his neighbours to acts of despair.

I hate bagpipes. They make my brain hurt.

I love bagpipes. Or did. Until I had a piping band practising opposite my house, 3 hours every Wednesday. . .

However, the mere sight of an accordion sets my normally very mild mannered husband off. I really should take a leash and a muzzle when out, just in case. . .