Now available on the iTunes App Store
Now available on the iTunes App Store
4QuarterSet emulates the three drones and three regulators (Tenor, Baritone, and Bass) found on a full set of Uilleann pipes.
In addition, sets are made in different keys, commonly D, C#, C, B, and a piper must have a completely different instrument for each key.
4QuarterSet provides drones and regulators in all four keys.
The app supports multitouch and independent playback of all three regulators at the same time.
Using the iPhone/iPod Touch screen mounted on the leg with a short standoff, it is possible to play 4QuarterSet exactly as one would the physical instrument, turning the drones on and off with a switch and picking out the chords with the side of the hand.
Touch the regulator play mode icon just below the drone switch to toggle between two regulator auto-chord play and single regulator play modes.
On the settings page, the volume of each of the elements of the instrument may be set independently.
4QuarterSet uses 16-bit 44 KHz, seamlessly looped audio samples based on my personal 3/4 set of pipes built by Kirk Lynch, not synthesized tones, so is very realistic sounding. The samples all are tuned using proper just intonation relative to the drones.
Suggestion: To really enjoy this app, try pluging your iPhone or iPod Touch into a powerful amplifier and speakers. The tiny speaker on these devices just can't do justice to the sounds of the drones and bass regulator.
For this demonstration, I recorded "The Sporting Pitchfork" solo on my Benedict Koehler concert pitch chanter, then overdubbed the drones and regulators using 4QuarterSet. Added a little low end EQ and reverb in final mixdown:
Overview of 4QuarterSet, showing the drones, regulators, and settings:
Multitrack Demo with Uillitina + Englitina + BoxKeys + 4QuarterSet
Regulator notes (key of D):
Here are some screen shots:
Main screen:
While playing in single regulator play mode:
While playing in auto-chord play mode:
FAQ:
Q: I'm not hearing any sounds on my iPhone! Help!
A: Make sure your ringer switch isn't in the "mute" position.
Q: What's the difference between 4QuarterSet and 3QuarterSet?
A: 3QuarterSet has a tenor and baritone regulator, 4QuarterSet has a tenor, baritone, and bass regulator. Starting with version 1.1 of both apps you may toggle between individual and chord play. When in regulator chord play mode, either app will work with the iPhone/iPod Touch strapped to the leg and the regs played with the side of the hand.
Q: That's a gorgeous bass drone puck, who made it?
A: The puck is from a 3/4 concert pitch set by Mike DeSmidt. He built the set while an apprentice with pipemaker Michael Hubbert and graciously allowed me to use the image for the app.
For those who are just finding out about the Uilleann pipes, I have posted below a short tutorial video by Gary Roche about all the parts of the instrument. 4QuarterSet provides the sounds of everything you'll see in the video, with the exception of the chanter, where the melody is played:
An Introduction to the Uilleann Pipes:
Unsolicited User Comments about 4QuarterSet:
From Randall Mathews:
"Thank you for the gorgeous sounds. It really does make the heart sing.
What a brilliant way to experience the value of just intonation. I'm revelling in the experience.
I play a viola with an extra string (8 thou) which gives me fiddle range as well.
Just recently I brought the whole thing down a fourth, so it's an octave lower than a fiddle, and very relaxed,
perfect for drones and two note chords within tunes often in third position.
I'm using the 4QuarterSet for training this practice and it is superb.
Deeply into the tunes since 1978, last St. Patricks day I got to play 'the Cuilin' in the cathedral
during communion, and it was mind blowing."
From Michael Peyton:
"Just wanted to thank you for ur app. I got it 2 days ago just messing around on the iPhone.
I punched in uilleann figuring nothing would pop up and to my suprise I found your creation.
Well I love it and can't keep my pipes down..I have been stuck on a half set for 12 yrs and have a Seth Gallagher set.
Just havn't been able to buy the regs. So until I can throw 3 grand down I have this.
Wells thanks again and all the best!!!"
Additional Resources:
To learn more about the Uilleann pipes, please visit the following sites:
Patrick D'Arcy's Uilleann Obsession Site
Chiff and Fipple Uilleann Pipes Message Board
Future Plans:
I am very interested in any suggestions for features or improvements to the apps for future updates, please drop me an email anytime with your ideas!
Other Apps by Michael Eskin:
JustDrones - Three Uilleann pipes drones in the keys of Bb, B, C, C#, D, E, F, G, and A, with additional interval drone.
3QuarterSet - Three Uilleann pipes drones and two regulators in the keys of D, C#, C, B, and Bb, designed for live play
Concertina - High Quality Anglo Concertinas in C/G, Bb/F, A/E, and G/D
Englitina - High Quality Treble/Baritone English Concertina
Uillitina - Uilleann Pipes as an English Concertina
PipeKeys - Uilleann pipes 3/4 sets in D and B as a standard piano keyboard
ButtonBox - 3 Reed Bank Irish Button Accordion using English concertina fingerings
BoxKeys - 3 Reed Bank Irish Piano Accordion
Haydentina - Hayden-style Duet Concertina
Canntina - MacCann-style Duet Concertina
Acknowlegements:
My thanks go out to Steve Pribyl, Ben Jaber, Patrick Maun, Fel Bautista, Daiv Boveri, Mike DeSmidt, and Patrick D’Arcy for their help beta testing the app.
Contact:
For more information, please contact Michael Eskin or visit the Tradlessons.com website:
