Turns out I am in desperate need of new bellows. My UP teacher informed me that my current bellows are a huge hindrance (inefficient, uncomfortable, etc.).
So I’m looking for some input. I’m interested in something by Michael Dow, but they are a bit more money than I am comfortable spending. So I am thinking about Kelleher bellows.
Has anybody tried bellows from Kelleher Traditional? How are they?
Any other recommendations?
What is the actual difference (how significant) between bellows from Michael Dow and bellows from a maker like Kelleher?
I have a Kelleher bellows. I have not used all that many bellows, as I am a beginner, but I can say that both the functionality and the workmanship of the Kelleher are top notch, and that Niall was great to deal with.
Thanks for the info. I know Kelleher is known to have top notch bags, but I haven’t heard much about the bellows. Nevertheless, I have been very interested in them.
I am also a beginner. My UP instructor tried my bellows and said they are a serious problem (obstacle). I feel that if I am going to invest money in upgrading my bellows, I want something serious/excellent quality. A stepping stone upgrade would just mean more money to spend down the road.
Having not played other bellows, I didn’t realize a bellows upgrade could make such a drastic difference. I’m hoping for something that will allow me to focus on playing rather than focusing on rapidly pumping.
I can also say that the Kellehers are great to deal with. Just a few weeks ago I ordered a new bag from them and Niall was super helpful in making sure I got what I needed.
I also splurged and ordered a set of bellows from them, but my old bellows work fine. I might be interested in selling the Kelleher bellows, if you’re interested. I need to keep the rubber hose that came with them, though, as it’s the only connector I have on hand to fit the plastic stocks that I had Niall tie in my new bag. These are the same bellows:
Just out of curiosity, are uilleann and smallpipe bellows pretty similar? I looked at the Hope bellows which appear to be designed for smallpipes, and the bellows construction looks identical to uilleann.
Sam: Thanks. Have you tried the bellows you bought? How are they?
I’ve tried them on a few times. They work very well-- very efficient and they put out a lot of air. The workmanship and finish on them is great. I think they might need a little breaking in, as it takes more power from my arm to push a full pump than compared to my old bellows, which are probably about 13 years old. Or maybe I’m just too used to how the old bellows feel.
I don’t know. I use them on my small pipes and my uilleann practice set. I don’t have any issues with them but I’m not driving a full set, I don’t know if you would need more bellows or not but they seem pretty much the same size as uilleann bellows I have seen. My smallpipes take more gas than my practice set if that helps.
Hi…Whats nice about Mike Dow’s bellows is its large capacity- useful with some of the larger bags.
Sure- he’s a bit pricey, but the thing is a horse and will give you years of comfortable, effortless playing.
You said you were a beginner, so you know there’s enough to be getting on with without flailin around like a blacksmith’s apprentice.
Good luck!
Seam
Same here. I tried to contact Lawrence Thompson, but can’t find any info. I found one site/maker that says they stock Thompson bellows, but that is the one broken link on their site.
I plan on ordering some from Kelleher. I haven’t found much info from owners, but of the few threads I have seen, everything is very positive. And knowing Kelleher’s reputation for bags, I can’t imagine they would be willing to sell bellows that aren’t of similar quality.
I hope to order some soon and will report back.
That said, I am still interested in hearing more recommendations.
If I may, I would like to drop Seth Hamon’s name. He makes incredible bellows. Solid craftsmanship, comfortable for long periods of time, incredibly efficient, and pumps tons of air. Also he’s a dream to work with. Just a real nice guy. Works out of Texas.
