There’s a new Dave Williams practice set for sale at:
my friend has an older set of dave williams pipes('87) with some chronic tuning problems in the upper octave, what feedback could you offer someone (me) wishing to own a set of D.W.?
Make sure it’s reeded well.
Dionys
My first real set of pipes was made by Dave Williams and I have played and reeded many of his chanters since and none of them have any tuning problems, certainly nothing chronic! I’d say it’s definately the reed. Dave has been making excellent concert pipes for years and I would highly reccomend him. However, I think his books are closed.
I have no problems with my Williams D chanter which was made in 1980. It plays in tune with itself without assistance of rushing, tape on holes, etc. It’s easily reeded. It’s had a Rogge reed that worked well until I broke it, and currently has a Williams reed in it that has been going well for the last 6 years. With a good well made reed there shouldn’t be any problems with a Williams chanter. The same as a Geoff Wooff chanter, with a good reed they are very stable instruments
The chanter for sale is keyless.
If Dave’s books are closed, what is the possibility of sending it to him to add some keys?
If the chanter has blocks for keys then it shouldn’t be a problem.