For a couple weeks now I am been trying find a good practice set to start on. I have been able to play a set, but I am wanting to get my own set. Everyone has recommended that I order a set from a top maker, and I would like to, but they all seem to have HUGE waiting lists, and I would rather start learning now than next year… There haven’t been too many used sets around… So… I have been left to wait until something comes up.
Any advice? Would it be a bad idea to order a set from a new, non-established maker – learn – then order a half set or whatnot from an established maker? Basically I am an experienced musician who wants to play the pipes, and am passionate about it.
Wait. Patience is a virtue you will need to learn the UP, so now might not be a bad time to exercise that trait. If I were you, I would just continue to listen to pipe music and see if you can find a tutor nearby. You might even entreat some kindly local spirit to loan you a starter set. If nothing else, you can always get an inexpensive low whistle and work the fingers that way. Patience always pays off, and keeping your eyes open for a decent second hand set might pay huge dividends later. A bad starter set might actually discourage practice, so be very careful there. Just some advice from another pipe noob…
Look at www.Daye1.com. David sells something called a pennychanter that would be good to start with. Practice set starts at $500. with little wait. Not a big investment to start with. I’ve seen one and thought it would be good for beginners.
Ditto. I have a Daye halfset that I’m very happy with. Once I reach a reasonable level of proficiency, I will likely move on to a traditional wood set (but will keep my Daye set). Daye’s wait times are about 3 months.
Pat Sky www.patricksky.com also makes a good beginner practice set… wait time is approx. 2 months (and the price is comparable to Daye’s sets).
You can research both pipemaker’s by doing a search here on the forum. I think that I am safe in saying that both makers are well-respected in the Uillean piping community. (FWIW, I’ve owned sets by both, so I’m not just talking out of my arse here. )
Whereas my experience with Uilleann piping is minute compared to just about everyone else on this board, I’m not sure I agree with the “buy a top shelf set right off the bat” approach. I do agree that you should only buy a good set from a reputable maker… there’s alot of cr@p out there.
Call Seth Gallagher. His wait is rather short and he makes good quality chanters and bellows and they are made in NY which reduces climate issues vis a vis Ireland. He also has good customer service and the New York dollar has a more favorable currency exchange rate to the Oregon dollar! http://www.uilleann.com/
I started on a Daye set. It was great. Its Very consistent and has a good sound. I then took the plunge into a half-set from Tim Britton. But i still play the Daye set from time to time.
What about ordering a practice set from Vignoles? They are reasonable prices at $975, and have a short waiting time. Vignoles pipes seem to be well-received as well.
beating a dead horse here, I know…even though I dont have it yet, C.J. Dixon’s sets look beautiful, and seem to have good things said about them. His prices are good…in the $800s for sets (chanter without keyblocks, bag/bellows). www.cjdixon.com
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