• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Compare Bagpipes logo

  • Home
  • Bagpipes
    • Bagpipes for Sale
    • Practice Chanters
    • Gibson Practice Chanter
    • Irish Bagpipes
    • Scottish Bagpipes
    • Uilleann Pipes for Sale
    • Swedish Bagpipes
    • Bulgarian Bagpipes
    • Electronic Bagpipes
  • Supplies
    • Bagpipe Reeds
    • Pipe Bags
    • Bagpipe Parts
  • Accessories
    • Kilt Accessories Guide
    • Kilt Belts & Buckles
    • Kilt Sporrans
    • Kilt Flashes
    • Kilt Socks
    • Kilt Pins
    • Sgian Dubh Knives
    • Ghillie Brogues
    • Tartan Sashes
    • Tartan Scarfs
    • Tartan Ties
  • Wear
    • How to Wear a Kilt
    • Best Kilts for Men
    • Best Kilts for Women
    • Kilt Jacket Types
    • Prince Charlie Jackets
    • Highland Wear
    • Ghillie Shirts & Jacobite Shirts
  • Music
    • Famous Bagpipe Songs
    • 10 Songs With Bagpipes
    • Amazing Grace Bagpipes Lyrics
    • Flower Of Scotland Bagpipes Lyrics
    • Going Home Bagpipes Lyrics
    • Mull Of Kintyre Bagpipes Lyrics
    • Scotland The Brave Bagpipes Lyrics
    • Skye Boat Song Bagpipes Lyrics
    • Thunderstruck Bagpipes Lyrics
    • Best Flute Reviews
    • Best Harmonica Reviews
  • Beginners
    • Best Bagpipe Books
    • Learn to Play Bagpipes
    • How are Bagpipes Made
    • How Do Bagpipes Work
    • How Hard Is It to Play Bagpipes
    • How Much Do Bagpipes Cost
    • The Compelling History of Bagpipes
    • What are Bagpipes Made Of
    • What Region Is Famous for Bagpipes
    • Who Invented the Bagpipes
    • Why Are Bagpipes Played at Police Funerals: 2021 Q&A Series
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
Home » Bagpipes » Bulgarian Bagpipes: What Do You Need to Know About Gaida 2021

Published on May 4, 2020 | Last updated on January 15, 2021 | By Harshad

Bulgarian Bagpipes: What Do You Need to Know About Gaida 2021

Contents:

  • Bulgarian Bagpipe – Bulgarian Folk Instruments
    • Before You Continue Reading…
  • The Regional Variations of the Gaida – Bulgarian Bagpipe
  • Bulgarian Bagpipes’ Chanter – “Gaidunitsa”
  • The Bulgarian Folk Instruments – Gadulka
  • The Bulgarian Folk Instruments – Tambura
  • The Bulgarian Folk Instruments – Kaval

Bulgarian Bagpipe – Bulgarian Folk Instruments

One of the best-known Bulgarian folk instruments is the Gaida or the Bulgarian bagpipe. In fact, it’s rare to see a traditional wedding ceremony that doesn’t include this instrument. Shepherds used to keep these instruments with them as they tended their herd.

Today, the Gaida bagpipe is usually played solo or alongside a big drum. It’s also common to see the instrument featured in smaller village-based orchestras. As is the case with every Bulgarian folk instrument, there are a lot of regional variations of the Gaida.

Before You Continue Reading…

Interesting Bagpipe Resources:

  • Bulgarian Bagpipe
  • Bulgarian Bagpipe Solo
  • Golemite Bulgarski Maistori – Gaida
  • Which are the Best 10 Harmonicas

What Do You Need to Know About the Bulgarian Gaida

[adinserter block=”4″]

The Regional Variations of the Gaida – Bulgarian Bagpipe

These instruments have their own unique style. Still, they all have a few things in common: a drone, a chanter, a blowpipe, and a white bag made from kidskin.

Not all Gaida sound the same. Pipes that come from the western Slope region tend to have a low pitch, while pipes from eastern regions like Dobrudja and Thrace are usually fairly high.

Bulgarian Bagpipe - Gaida

Original Picture by Kaba-Gaida.

In the Rhodope region within the south Bulgarian mountains, Gaida features massive goatskin bags. These Bulgarian bagpipes have a very low pitch. It’s common to see people playing these pipes in groups, whether the group is a duo, a trio, or slightly larger.

One well-known ensemble in this region is “Sto Gaidi.” Their name translates to “One Hundred Gaidas.” Typically, a modern Gaida would include two drones and three chanters. With an instrument like this, a player should be able to perform music from every Bulgarian region.

Bulgarian Bagpipes’ Chanter – “Gaidunitsa”

The thing that sets this instrument apart is the chanter, which is known as the “gaidunitsa.” These chanters have the range of a full chromatic scale. It can change is seven subtle ways. It is comfortable to hold and grip thanks to the curved tone holes.

One of the unique details this instrument has is the tiny metal pipe that sits at the top of the bore. This is referred to as the “flea hole.” This is the reason the instrument has such an impressive range. It’s common to see these pipes trimmed with a material like metal or ox horn.

[adinserter block=”3″]

Bulgarian Gaidunitsa

They may also feature some intricate combing or grooving. The south Bulgarian kaba-gaida is absolutely massive. It has just one drone, and that drone spans more than four feet.

The tone of this Gaida is deep and rich. The gaidanitsa is usually round, but in this case, it is hexagonal. It also features rich ornamentation.

The Bulgarian Folk Instruments – Gadulka

Today, it’s hard to name a folk instrument that’s as popular as the gadulka. It’s a very loud instrument, but its tone is fairly warm, giving it a soothing sound. Singers are often accompanied by this instrument. It’s also common to see it played in smaller orchestras. It’s common for folk musicians to craft their own instruments.

Musicians typically follow the practices of their region when making an instrument. With that said, there are also professional instrument makers that are very well known. Most musicians play one of two types of gadulkas. In both cases, the instruments are made using a single block of hardwood.

Bulgarian Gadulka

The large blocks are hollowed out into a pear-like shape. From there, they are carved and then covered with faces made from softwood. The more common type of gadulka features three strings. It is tuned A’EA. There are approximately 12 additional strings on the instrument.

The less common type is only played in the Dobrudjan region of Bulgaria, which is near the Black Sea. This small gadulka has three strings, which are typically tuned to EAA’. Gadulkas are tucked into a belt or shoulder strap when they are played. They are bowed horizontally, not vertically.

The Bulgarian Folk Instruments – Tambura

Another popular Bulgarian folk instrument is the Tambura. It’s similar to the gadulka in a lot of ways. For example, they are both curved and pear-shaped. However, unlike the gadulka, this instrument has a very bright tone. It’s been compared to the sound of a banjo.

Bulgarian Tambura

[adinserter block=”4″]

It’s often used to play melodies but is also used for chords. Like a mandolin, this instrument has double-coursed strings. However, the way the strings are tuned is more similar to a guitar.

The Bulgarian Folk Instruments – Kaval

Another shepherd’s instrument that is popular in Bulgaria is the Kaval. This instrument is an end-blown flute that frequently accompanies singers.

The instrument is also played in both small and larger orchestras. It’s popular all across Bulgaria. Varieties of playing techniques are used. In the east, it’s common to see players use an ornamented style. In the West, a staccato style is more common.

Bulgarian Kaval

In the east, it’s common to see players use an ornamented style. In the West, a staccato style is more common.

Filed Under: Bagpipes

blank

About Harshad

Hey,

My name is Harshad, and I like sharing useful bagpipe guides on CompareBagpipes.com.

With years of experience in listening and researching music, I now help others learn more about our traditional musical instruments.

Primary Sidebar

Hey!

blankMy name is Harshad, and I'm your guide and expert at CompareBagpipes.com!

I'm also a great fan of instrumental music. You can find more about me here. Read More…

Best Bagpipe Guides

Best Practice Chanter Reviews

Best Practice Chanter Reviews: 2021 Buyer’s Chanters Guide

Electronic Bagpipes

Electronic Bagpipes: The Historical View of the Modern Bagpipes in 2021

How Much Do Bagpipes Cost

How Much Do Bagpipes Cost: 6 Ways to Evaluate Bagpipe Price

Bagpipe Music

Bagpipe Music: Famous Bagpipe Songs to Remember in 2021

Who Invented the Bagpipes

Who Invented the Bagpipes: Free 2021 Bagpipes Country Guide

How Hard Is It To Play Bagpipes

How Hard Is It to Play Bagpipes: 2021 Complete Guide

How Do Bagpipes Work: Here Is What You Need to Know in 2019

How Do Bagpipes Work: Here Is What You Need to Know in 2021

Irish Uilleann Bagpipe Practice Set,

Uilleann Pipes for Sale 2021: Full Set, Practice Set, Bagpipes

Scottish Bagpipes

Scottish Bagpipes: The 2021 Guide to Bagpipes and Supplies

Best Prince Charlie Jacket

Best Prince Charlie Jacket: Top 10 Product Reviews in 2021

COMPAREBAGPIPES.COM IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED WEBSITES.

Copyright © 2021 - CompareBagpipes.com