SPPB

Gordy88 wrote:Which is the better band?

SPPB of the late '80's and early '90's

SPPB of today

And why?

If you take 1st prizes then the band of the 80's is an obvious winner.
The chanter pitch and drones of that period was also much more pleasing to the ear (and it was all done by ear then).

Todays band is very good and retains a top six position in the world overall.
Only criticism I have is the number of pipers and drummers and the fact that tuning is done by electronics.
Unfortunately that is the way pipe bands have went.

Redneck was right......he already knew the answer!!

Anyone agree or disagree?

I agree.....IMHO the band of the 80s was there when pipe bands were reaching perfection, and the sound, the tunes, the tempo and everything about the SPPB was simply a delight to listen to.

Sadly......pipe bands subsequently took a wrong turn at the lights and are now on another planet.....a not very nice one.

I must agree as well,

20 years ago, there were a group of individuals, led by a very talented PM, who all knew how their instruments worked, for example, I well remember SPPB arriving at a venue, all walking off, tuning their drones, coming into a circle, and being pretty well on the mark,

I played in the RUC at the time, and were very often second to them, and we certainly could not have done it to the same extent.

Carradale bay to this day gives me the shivers, a fantastic opening tune to any medley.

These were the days of no synthetics, just cane reeds and sheepskin/hide bags, and a 'proper' Bagpipe sound, and men that could blow them.

I believe that the modern era SPPB are using plastic drone reeds, with sheepskin bags, and whilst still are a top band, I honestly think that like other bands who are doing the same, are trading bapipe excellence and history for convenience.

Stormy is right (IMO) the '80's band was the better, not only due to the modern band being so similar to others bands in the grade, but to the fact that certainly as a pipe corps, they were a grade above everyone else

cheers

Gordy88 wrote:20 years ago, there were a group of individuals, led by a very talented PM, who all knew how their instruments worked, for example, I well remember SPPB arriving at a venue, all walking off, tuning their drones, coming into a circle, and being pretty well on the mark.......I played in the RUC at the time........Stormy is right.......

I remember these days with fond memories, but I couldn't do it now......

We must have met up in a beer tent at some point........

Bleedin' 'ell, someone agrees with me!!!

stormy wrote:

Gordy88 wrote:20 years ago, there were a group of individuals, led by a very talented PM, who all knew how their instruments worked, for example, I well remember SPPB arriving at a venue, all walking off, tuning their drones, coming into a circle, and being pretty well on the mark.......I played in the RUC at the time........Stormy is right.......

I remember these days with fond memories, but I couldn't do it now......

We must have met up in a beer tent at some point........

Bleedin' 'ell, someone agrees with me!!!

I'll hold you to that at the worlds

you goin to the worlds stormy?

stormy wrote: Redneck was right......he already knew the answer!!

Anyone agree or disagree?

Disagree about what...?, me being right?...........don't think so m8, on both accounts.

So did the older guys in the 1980,s reminice about the sound and quality of the 60,s ????

Piping Connections wrote:So did the older guys in the 1980,s reminice about the sound and quality of the 60,s ????

In one word.......yes.
At least, my older guy"did.

yeah thats what i remember as well so its 2020 n Rubes will be telling his young learners about the quality of sound fromSLOT, FMM,SFU in 2008 and complaining about the pitch beeing too high at 520hz and wondering where are all the dogs coming from (ok he is wondering where all the dogs are coming from the noo)

Piping Connections wrote:yeah thats what i remember as well so its 2020 n Rubes will be telling his young learners about the quality of sound fromSLOT, FMM,SFU in 2008 and complaining about the pitch beeing too high at 520hz and wondering where are all the dogs coming from (ok he is wondering where all the dogs are coming from the noo)

LMFAO.......................brill m8.

Robbie.Crow wrote:you goin to the worlds stormy?

You'll find out when the size 8 splits yer arse!!!!