A Limited Comparison of Bagpipe SoftwareA Limited Comparison of Bagpipe Software(NOTE: These are my opinions!)After some consideration of the available programs,I've concluded that there is, as of yet, no 'complete'software solution.I should stress that, because of,I looked at only three programs in depth. I have extensiveexperience with Bagpipe Music Writer Gold/Bagpipe MusicPlayer/Reader. However, my evaluation will be continuing and I'llbe investigating the capabilities of the ABC sharewaresolution(s).My wish list, which will undoubtedly grow as each goalis achieved, is represented below.
Issue:Bagpipe MusicWriter Gold orBagpipe PlayerPiobMasterElectric PipesEasily installed on WindowscomputerYesYesYesAbility to blend with practice chanterUses any midi instrument - this worksadequatelySampled pipe sound onlycan sample a student's practice chanter orany other sound. Comes with GHB and Smallpipe samplesAbility to adjust pitch to matcha practice chanter from the soundcardA or B-flat, nothing in between (Can be adjustedin-between using motherboard speaker.)Not obvious, but may be able toreplace.wav files used to make sound.Can sample a student's practicechanter - Defaults not adjustablePitch intervals (intonation)match accepted norms for bagpipeNo, but closeYesYes, by samplingInternal timings within anembellishment/adjustableSome are acceptable, othersnot. Significant improvements can be made with code modificationsNicely done, not adjustableNicely done, not adjustableEmbellishment placement timing(downbeat within embellishment)Somewhat adjustable, but alltypes of embellishments are incorrectly forced to fit the same rules.Nicely done, not adjustableAll embellishments take time fromnote following. Not adjustable. (Equivalent to BagpipeMusic Player Setting A=100.)Can control gracenote timingYes, not affected by tempoYes, a function of tempo only.Limited range. (Taurluaths seem unaffected.)Yes.
Can be adjusted bothindependently and as a function of tempo.Can control tempoYes. Broad range, but requiresstopping playback and changing numerical bpm settings.Yes. Limited range by slider barwith no bpm. Requires stopping playbackYes. Broad range available bycombination of manually setting BPM in data file and a+/-50% slider adjusted range during playback. BPM onslider.Overall Music FlowSomewhat stilted, with uneventiming between heavily embellished and lightlyembellished bars.
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Can be improved by sacrificingembellishment placement.Fixed, but solid.Very nice with adjustableemphasis on beats and pointing.Can play dead slow tunes withvery open embellishments suitable for learnersYes, after changingmodifications, but timing may be stilted. When gracingtiming is too long, melody note are lost.May not be enough range to reallyslow the tune for learners. Embellishments not wide open.Without adjusting the BPM in thedata file, there may not be enough range using the sliderto really slow the tune for learners. When gracing timingis too long, the gracings are lost.Can loop through a troublesome passageYesNo (Whole Tune Only)YesCan easily convert same tune attempo for accomplished pipersYes, after modifications togracenote lengthsYesYesBroad range of embellishmentsYesYes (no heavy throw)YesCan set up band medleyYesNot obviousYesStarting E/matches tune tempoSelectable/Not by default, butsettable in milliseconds, not beats.
Auto-E can bedeselected and then written into score to match tempo.Selectable/No, fixed duration.Could be scored in.Would need to be scored, but thenwould match tempo.Has Metronome ClickNoNoNo (may be available in nextversion as a drum stick tap)Can write/play harmoniesNo/NoNoYes/Yes.