On the album “Humours of Piping” I noticed that 3 out of the 4 pipers played pipes by “Hughes and Macleod.” I’ve never heard of this firm. Could anyone give some info/opinions on their pipes? All the pipers were from Northern Ireland, so I’m guessing that it’s a local maker. The pipes sounded good on the recording, but that was probably had a lot to do with the players:) Very good CD if you haven’t heard it. My favorite tracks are “Jim Donoghue’s” and “O’Rourke’s.”
J
I have a Hughes & McLeod half set. I originally got the practice set in 2000 and added drones in 2002.
I am very happy with the set, although I’ve only ever had one and am not really in a position to compare, but other pipers with much more experience have been complimentary.
Hughes & McLeod was recommended to me by a friend/neighbour who plays Scottish Highland pipes, and I think that Highland pipes are what ‘Hughes & McLeod’ are more renown for, rather than Uilleann pipes. My Highland Piping friend is well known in Highland Piping circles, has years of experience and I trust his recommendation explicitly.
Robbie Hughes is the maker (I think the McLeod half of the partnership has been dormant for some time), and he lives outside Downpatrick in Co. Down.
His full details are at http://www.bagpipers.co.uk. Friendly helpful man - please don’t order too many sets until I can order my regulators!
Cheers, Keith
(leave out the period)
I have a Robbie Hughes Chanter that I’m very pleased with. Robbie doesn’t produce a huge quantity of sets, and I am rather certain that his main business is in reed production for GHB’s.
My chanter is made of African blackwood with brass accents/keys (Cnat & F#) and imitation ivory bits. It plays with full tone and has a very sweet sound. IMO, it is responsive and a very capable instrument (if only the player were so).
I wouldn’t hesitate to inquire more about Robbie Hughes’ pipes.
PR
For more informatin in North America, contact Bob Gardiner at:
ruairibeag@rogers.com
[ This Message was edited by: Paul Reid on 2003-02-24 15:16 ]