Description

...emulator...
vPipes is an electronic Uilleann Pipes emulator (without regulators) affording the possibility of practising in a variety of situations which would prove to be impractical or impossible with a real set of pipes.

...expression...
Their level of expression (popping, portamento, vibrato) based on continuous sensor technology for the finger holes, bag pressure and popping, gives unique levels of realism currently unattainable with other electronic instruments.

…key-pad & display…
The range of functions included, easily controlled via the key-pad and display built into the chanter, makes the vPipes a tool with possibilities as free as your imagination. Discover it for yourself.

…portability…
For ease of use and portability, vPipes’ built-in battery charger recharges the “no-memory-effect” Li-Ion batteries included with the instrument. In cases where the Li-Ion battery pack has run out and there is no possibility of playing plugged in or recharging, it is possible to use 4 AA 1.5V standard batteries.

…personalised…
vPipes, where possible, offers personally adapted solutions and fingerings for special circumstances. If you have any questions about this then please contact us for further information.

…freestanding…
The vPipes is freestanding and independent. While travelling you may want to use standard earphones; if in a more permanent set up you can connect it to any type of speaker, amplifier or hi-fi system.

…fully updateable…
The vPipes software updates and sound banks will be available to download via the internet.

Sound Samples

Please judge for yourself. The following is a sound sample taken from the output jack of the new vPipes. Please also note that this is the unadulterated sound as produced directly by the vPipes with no external effects whatsoever. The fingering used for the ornamentation and embellishments is as it would be on a set of real pipes:

• air.mp3

YouTube Stuff

Please click on the following links should you wish to see the vPipes-Uilleann in action. These links will take you directly to YouTube. Just click and enjoy!

• Cillian Vallely playing the vPipes
• vPipes - uilleann demo 1
• vPipes - uilleann demo 2
• vPipes - uilleann demo 3
• vPipes - uilleann demo 4
• vPipes - uilleann demo 5

Newsletters

Newsletters are generally sent out to all those who have written to us, but just in case you haven't received yours please click on the newsletters below for more information:

• 14th February 2007 (~397kb, PDF format)
• 9th May 2006 (~307kb, PDF format)

Technical Details

• 2 x High-performance, advanced RISC architecture main processors
• Backlit Mini LCD Display
• Continuous force sensor for realistic octave change emulation
• Li-Ion rechargeable battery
• In system battery charger
• Compatible with 4 AA 1.5V standard batteries
• Integrated synthesizer
• RISC-based digital signal processor (Synthesis/DSP)
• High-quality wavetable synthesis
• Serial MIDI in & out
• Effects: Reverb + Chorus
• Surround on two speakers with intensity/delay control
• Four-band parametric equalizer

General Information

• We are also working on the vWhistle, vGaita and vGHB.
• The vPipes allows you to monitor your finger movements on the LCD in real time.
• For left and right handed players (please state option).