Looking through the various forums I wonder just how makers are really full time or have to suppliment there income by having sidelines.
Just curious as it seems a precarious way to make a living. I know that at least some historical makers have had other strings to their bows (or should it be reeds in their pipes) such as umbrella’s, Spinning Wheels.
John
Don’t forget fishing tackle! (Coyne in later years if I recall correctly)
And of course the manufacture of various flutes and other non-UP instruments.
My guess is that about half the makers on the list are inactive, and at least 2/3 of the remainder are part-time, semi-retired, or dividing their time between pipes and other instruments. Actually naming names is a problematic exercise though, because makers are understandably reluctant to admit to working part-time.
Of the remaining fulltime makers, it seems that a surprising number are ‘new makers’ like myself who have gone public in the past 5 years. There’s a high burnout rate in this business…
Bill (full-time and behind schedule!)
There’s a high burnout rate in this business
Yes, I can identify with that. I sometimes think of jacking it in and doing something less stressful. I think that anyone with the inclination to make pipes is by definition not obsessed with making money, and also likely to have something of a desire to do more than one thing. Pipemaking is a multi-discipline thing to begin with.
I sometimes consider doing the odd bit of building work again (it’s in the blood as much as owt else) because I can’t see a situation where I would have to post a wall to America or Europe, although I suppose it wouldn’t work as well there as it did here either!
I know Davy S makes some amazing machines and other things as well as pipes. I know another who makes flutes and offers legal advice as well as pipes!
I grow a lot of fruit and veg but I don’t get paid for it sadly. However I don’t have to buy it . . .
I don’t think pipemaking is a precarious way to make a living anymore than many others.