I have not been online for a long time and new things have happened. For one my junior pipe band has moved up to grade 4 and I have recently aquired a used set of Northumbrian smallpipes and am learning how to play those. I found out that I had a knack for the uilleann pipes at a meeting of northumbrian pipers and have decided to look for a better practice set. I have a penny chanter, but that did not work for me, then I bought another set, which also didn’t work. I have recently discovered uilleann pipe works of boston, has anyone had experience with their sets, if so, please give me your opinions and thoughts, I need them right now.
seems strange replying to my own post, but can anyone tell me who they think makes the least exspensive and easiest to play other than David Daye, his sets did not exactly work out for me
From my previouse reaserch there seems to be mixed emotions with Boston Uilleann Pipe works. Maybe some more proffesional pipers (than me) who have had experience with these chanters could help you out. Meanwhile you may like to do a search.
Depends on how much you want to spend. There seems to be some reasonably priced C chanters up for sale on UilleannObsession. Check here http://www.uilleannobsession.com/classifieds.html . Depends on what key you want. D is considered to be the most social key. Allowing you to play in sessions and with orchestras. However if you want to go flat pitch. C is still considered to be a social key.
Cheers L42B
PS: Both Brad Angus and Ian Mackenzie are well respected makers. I don’t think you’ll get better prices (from what I’ve seen in the past) for chanters than what’s on offer.
As far as I can tell, the general consensus is that UPWoB does good work. You may also want to look into a set by Pat Sky http://www.patricksky.com/
There are a few up and coming pipemakers to choose from as well. Seth Hamon and Chris Dixon (both contribute to this board) come to mind.
Time to let your fingers do the googling, although, I recommend Dogpile.com it combines the best search engines IMO.
Set Hamon produces a great practice set for a very reasonable price. His customer service is right on and he is a regular of this forum. His web site address is as follows:
Best of luck to you on your search.
I bought a practice set from CJ Dixon last summer and have been extremely pleased with it. It is very reasonably priced too.
I am very pleased with my “budget chanter” by Patrick Sky.His wait time short, his prices are fair and reasonable, his quality of work is superb, his reeds are easy for a newcomer, and he is readily available with help when needed.
Anasazi Piper
I’ll third Pat Sky. Great pipes, and a really nice guy.
Hi!
Just curious, why haven’t the two sets you have tried worked out for you?
Before you spend more money on a new set I would recommend you to contact David to see what’s wrong with your penny chanter. Opinions regarding sound characteristics and playability of the penny chanter might be divided but I never heard of one not working (except Brian’s that is). On the contrary those plastic sticks seem to be quite stable (for better or worse).
Do you have someone helping you out?
It could be a reed problem that an experienced player could fix in a few minutes. I’d say go and meet with some other pipers before you order something more.
/MarcusR
I just bought a bellows from C. J. Dixon, and I’m very impressed, both with his craftsmanship and his costomer service. His chanter pics on his site are very impressive and I plan on buying a chanter from him some time in the (somwhat) near future.