as there are full sets from BC Childress for sale from time to time and I might have the opportunity to buy one, I’m trying to get an impression of this pipemaker’s work.
I have nobody near me playing a set from him, nor do I know anyone who does. So I’m interested in any comment from experienced pipers who played one of his sets and can compare them to others. How is the sound like? Are the drones and regulators well balanced (e.g. so loud or quiet they can’t be fixed by means of reeding?)? Is the chanter itself more on the calm or the powerfull side? Are all keys fitted nicely to the regs? Are there troubles getting single notes in tune? Are there any soundfiles or videos on the net, where I can hear a set?
I’m looking forward to reading your comments and whish you all the best,
I just put my full set of Childress pipes away and can tell you that they are very stable and nicely made. The drone reeds and regulator reeds are synthetic, so they are not as susceptible to humidity fluctuations (which can be quite drastic here on the east coast of North America). He is also a very pleasant and helpful person with which to conduct business.
I can’t speak to all of the issues that you raise, because I currently only own a Childress D chanter. My chanter is lovely and plays very well. Bruce has been excellent to work with, as he responds very quickly to questions, etc. A friend of mine also had a full B set in nickel that was excellent, being very easy to play, in tune and balanced.
I bought a set of drones from Bruce and the synthetic reeds he has play great. I have a wide bore D chanter and opened the reeds to sound more open to match the chanter, they are rock solid without any closing issues, a nice throaty sound from the bass. In the switch from fall to winter there was no difference in changing bridle position etc. I don’t own one of his chanters but have played them at the tionols, he sets them up fairly light for ease of play. Reed adjustment may change that though. I don’t think you can go wrong with Bruce.
Just wanted to put in a word for Bruce’s work. Absolutely functional, playable, exquisite workmanship with clean detail - and as fancy as you wish! Bombproof reedcraft too!
I have owned a number of sets from Bruce and each one was a gem. I wish my talent
could match his workmanship. He’s one of the most accommodating and patient makers - great guy! You can’t go wrong with a set of Childress pipes.
have had two sets of bc’s pipes, still playing one (had to sell one due to hard financial times, will be selling another due to further hard financial times in the near future)… had a b set, and still have a d set… about the most stalwart instrument you can come across imho! has travelled the world, and never had serious issues, other than when i broke off a reg key mount (got stuck on my belt) but bc fixed it perfectly 4 or so years ago, and still going well today - play almost daily during good weeks.. can hear at my website as i recorded a cd with them.
drones are always solid. regs consistent. chanter has not had a reed adjustment in 4 years!! so, going well. plus, like was said before, bc is a terrific guy to work with - consistently answers emails and calls… able to customize stuff when reasonable (redid two bass regulators - turned straight ones into taylor style ones) et al…