I have been playing the pipes for a year and have and have progressed to the extent that I am now looking into a half/full set. I have begun to research a few makers recommended to me including, Coillian O’Broin, Andy Faden, Andreas Rogge and Geoff Wooff. If anyone has a set made by one of the above I would appreciate some feedback or an opportunity to ask a few questions. I have a limited understanding of what makes a set of pipes stand out, and am generally inexperienced in this department, so any advice, tips, recommendations or knowledge of a ‘good’ set for sale would be welcome.
Maybe it’s time to familiarise yourself with different pipes, consider if you want to go flat or concert and generally what you want out of a set of pipes. Once you’ve done that, find a pipemaker who’s pipes match your wants and needs, as it is you have listed makers of three very different styles of instrument.
Another thing to consider is how long you are willing to wait for a set. Most accomplished makers have wait times of several years, and some are more than 10 years. Some makers’ order books are closed entirely. Unfortunately, it’s not like a saxophone or a guitar where you decide what you want, then go out and buy it.