Flat Sets

Hi

I’m interested in purchasing a second hand flat set in the future (next year or so). I’ll still be keeping my currant D set but the flat set will be used for sollo piping. What sort of prices would I be looking at? Bear in mind that expense is a big consideration. What makers would you recommend. Ian Mackenzie is well known for his C# Cn sets so he’ll be on my consideration list (especially his ebony sets).

Cheers L42B :slight_smile:

Stick with Mackenzie.
Have him make you a set in C.

Stay with Ian, you won’t go wrong. I have a lovely C chanter that he made for me 5 or so years ago and it’s a cracker!
Tommy

Like everything else, you get what you pay for. If you are willing to wait a few years, Joe Kennedy is the man to see for flats. His orders for flats now far outnumber his orders for concert sets. If you put your order in now, the delivery might suit the time schedule you have given.

http://www.kennedysuilleannpipes.com/ (best to phone him directly for prices and times)

djm

I’ll hopefully be getting the chance to check out a Nick Whitmer C chanter in about 4 weeks. I’ll also get a chance to play (again) a Gallagher B chanter. If you’re interested I’ll let you know what they are like.

PJ, Gallager B sets have been a little controversial in the past. Its best if you PM me so that we don’t start WW3 on the forums :wink:.

The C set is most likely the flat set pitch that I’m looking at. Most of the tunes are in C at church or Bb not really D. I’ll email Ian in the next day or so and make an enquire for any C chanters he might have second hand and how much they are new.

Djm, it’s nothing against Kennedy’s work (I’ve heared good things about him). Geographicaly Ian is closer. I’m also very happy with my D Lancewood set that he made. Nice tone and it has that mysticle sound that we all adore about a good set of UP’s. That’s part of the reason why I’m going back to Ian when (if) I get a flat set. I just wonted others opinions.

All makers will be considered.

Cheers L42B :slight_smile:

Which is it, Ian or another maker? :stuck_out_tongue: :stuck_out_tongue:

Joseph, that’s the point of me posting hear. I want to find out more about different makers. Nothing against Ian but it’s nice to know what’s available at the time of purchase I also said that I’ll be looking in a year or so. So there is no rush about this. I’m considereing my options while I build up the funds.

Cheers L42B :slight_smile:

More expensive is NOT always better!!! :moreevil:
Maybe there are still people around willing to produce a good product and NOT rip people off?
Try looking past your nose, you might see some.

You right their Mark. My Mackenzie D full set I have at present I bought for 4 grand. Not a bad price considering the issue of waiting lists, availability etc. The set arrived in excellent condition and had been obviously well loved and cared for.

By that I mean no scratch marks dents or any damage to the instrument. Ian Mackenzie had obviously looked after the set very well. The D set I have has a lovely sweet tone. Although it does have volume it doesn’t have the harsh loude sound you get on some concert D sets these days.

Cheers L42B :slight_smile:

Sorry, Rick, I don’t know what your issue is. Did you have a problem with a Joe Kennedy set? I seriously doubt it.

All I was pointing out is that a set from a reputable maker will probably cost more, and especially with flat sets, I don’t know any knock-off artists that are producing these, so expect a flat set to cost more.

djm

In fact, I’ve played the same Gallagher B twice before. It turned me onto flat sets. But I’ve not played any other flat sets, so I’ve nothing to compare it with. That’s why I’m interested in seeing Nick Whitmer’s C chanter. I’ll hopefully have that and the Gallagher B at the same time. I’ll treat it as an educational experience for myself. If anyone else in interested in the comparison, they can PM me.

Don’t let anyone kid you about Gallagher pipes. The B ½ set I had was GREAT. I just had to have a Froment, you know. The Gallagher B set was in good tune, tight, easy to play, good looking, well made, easy to disassemble and take out to gigs, good tone, and the price was right. I kind of wish I still had it for gigs with the band, because everything was so simple, easy and affordable.

When Ronan Brown was here for CLW his reeds all died and he had to borrow a B full set from Seth. He commented that it was a very good set and that he was very happy with the way it sounded and played.

djm

I find it nearly impossible to play my D set after playing in C…


p.s. can you tell where I like to sit when I’m playing?? (note the worn spot) :laughing:

There’s a chapter in a certain book I’d like you to read. It’s call “Transformation.” :smiley:

Very funny :laughing:, I’m not exactly converting to a flat sets. I’m going to keep the D set but the flat set will be used for solo piping [as I said earlier]. Lorenzo do you (or anybody else) have some more suggestions that they can add to the list. How much do Gallagher flat sets cost (considering exchange rates) and what’s his waiting list.

Anyone also care to comment on the Greenwoodpipes C sets [Joseph]?

What I plane to do is the following. Depending on my funds at the time of purchase I’m going to by a chanter or half set and build up from their. As I aquire funding. In the end I’m hoping to end up with a full set.

Cheers L42B :slight_smile:

I haven’t played anything of David’s other than my chanter, and the gidgee chanter… both of these are in D. I’ll be staying at his house in May for the GNIPC Tionol, there’s a good possibility (if I’m very, very well behaved) that I may get a chance to try his personal C set. I can let you know then. :smiley:

The Boisvert C 3/4 set on the previous page is going to be my set :smiley: and will be in my hands after the final tweaking,adjustment. I think I can give you the impression of the set,maybe about two weeks later.
However I’ve only been playing for only two and a half years and I will have nothing to compare the set with. Maybe I can post some soundclips.

Jeeeezus! That’s a beautiful C chanter!