Hello ! I am playing the GHB for now 20 years and it’s time now to try the UP. I am now facing a hard choice : Rogge, Arhpa, Van Daal, and all the others… Considering the price/quality, Van Daal seems to be a good choice. I’d like to buy this maker a half set. But who can tell me first what the Van Dall UPs are worth ? I’ve also seen that ARHPA proposes a set with a bass drone that has (quote) : a “straight top joint - more stable sound, quieter, easier to play”. Is it true ? I have heard the best concerning the ARHPA UP, does anyone have a good (or bad) experience.
Thanks for your help ! Tapadh leibh airson ur cuideachaidh !
Personally, I can’t speak for the pipemakers that you have listed, though I have heard good things about them. However, I CAN say: “Welcome to the Ulleann Pipe Forum on C&F. While you’re here, try the veal, I hear it is good.”
All that can be said about this from what I’ve heard here and been told by other pipers is that you should choose your pipes based on personal preference. Do take the advice of more advanced pipers though, they do know what they are talking about, with a grain of salt, as everyone has personal biases. All the makers you listed are famous cuz they make good pipes, you should try to find pipes made by the makers you listed and see how they sound, as the majority of UP makers’ pipes each have their own individual tonal characteristics and each piper has his or her own tonal preference. And as for set-up, choose whatever is the most asthetically pleasing to you. Good luck and welcome to the dark side.
-Mike
Arno, you know what you like to hear in a bagpipe, spend some time listening to the pipers you like to hear, and the sound that they make. Then find out who made their instruments. Afterwards, save a lot of money. These things are expensive, but they are worth every penny you invest into them…providing you find a good maker. Make sure you have invested wisely in the instrument of your choice.
After that, practice and have a load of fun.
Arno, where did you see this quote from Arhpa? I have played their pipes and they certainly ain’t too bad at all at all
I have a half-set from Marc and I can tell you that you get a real value for your money! They had been ready within 8 months, sound really nice and full and are also a catch for the eye.
But as I already have a set of Marc and also met him personally I might be biased. He’s a really friendly guy and a great pipemaker.
I don’t know where you’re located but it might be also a good idea to visit him in Waalwijk and have a look to his sets. You’ll get a nice coffee too … 
Thank you all for these first replies : really useful and conforting !
Droner : The quotation is from the website of arhpa where they describe the half set (called B1 model if I’m not wrong) in the exact terms I used. To them it seems to be a quality to have a straight top joint on the bass drone. The result doesn’t look brilliant to me (just considering the aesthetical point of view)
Thies, thanks for your answer, Do you know other UP players using with pleasure and no frustration a Van Daal set ? By the way I don’t live sooo far from the NL : I am living in Paris…
Other advices are highly welcome !
Arno I think the best thing to do would be to contact the Paris pipers club and see if they can help
RORY
Hello Arno: You are welcome to contact me if you have some questions about pipes( my pipes) made by Marc.High quality. Se my email on profile.
Ole
Same here Arno.
I play a van Daal Full Set with much pleasure.
Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.