Michael Hubbert

Uilleann Pipes
1

I mentioned this on my previous thread, but just in case no one answers it there, I’m wondering if anyone has any commentary on Michael Hubbert’s work? I’m considering one of his 1/2 sets - never actually heard his pipes before though. How do they sound? Are they durable? In tune? Do they have the ‘nyaa’? :smiley: Might they compare to any other famous makers’ sound? I realize of course that it’s all in the reed, but I’m really curious… anyone know of any sound samples? I’ve seen pictures - they certainly look beautiful! Any info at all would be greatly appreciated

Ben

2

Typed “Hubbert” into “search” above. Here’s a couple links, but there’s more. Ted and Quinn both are quoted here praising Michael’s work.

http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?p=118948&highlight=hubbert#118948

http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?p=122803&highlight=hubbert#122803

3

His pipes are absolutely top knotch.

Patrick.

4

Whoa, a reply from the venerable Mr. D’Arcy! I’m so honored!!

I’m serious - I’m new to the C&F board and am a HUGE fan of your website - thanks for such a great resource, and for your $.02.

Have you played Hubbert’s pipes? How do they sound? Consistent? Durable? Clear, rich, soulful chanter? Powerful drones?

I know, I know - it’s all in the reed :smiley:

I’m just curious - Stuart referred him to me and said he was great, but I wanted some other opinions.

Thanks again!

5

Thanks Hornpiper :slight_smile: Glad you enjoy the website :slight_smile: I’m venerable… better tell the wife… she might have a cure :confused:

Michael Hubbert’s work is beautiful. His pipes work and sound fabulous. There are atleast two full sets in the So Cal Pipers Club. One in acid stained boxwood and the other in ebony. They are both absolutely beautiful and perfectly in tune. Michael Hubberts rep is amazing. He is one of the most saught after period bassoon, flute and woodwind makers and restorers. Our good fortune is that he has had a relationship with the pipes since the 70’s, if not the 60’s? The two full sets I’ve seen from him are in D, both with a medium sized bore. This allows for a sweet yet strong tone. If you are looking for a loud set of pipes these probably wouldn’t be for you… they are elagent and very well made. I’ve also seen a B chanter and C chanter from him. Both exquisite. I would compare his wormanship to David Quinn’s… high praise indeed.

Good luck,

Patrick.

6

And by the way… The esteemed Mr. Hubbert (as well as the esteemed Mssrs. Koehler and Quinn) will be attending the SoCal Tionól, Oct. 22-24, so come see for youself! details at http://www.socalpipers.com

No E

7

Don’t forget Martin Preshaw and Michael Burke too :slight_smile:

PD.

8

Hey Patrick, I was checking out the sound samples on the SCUPC site - are any of them of you? Who else is playing? What sorts of pipes are they?

9

Yes, most of them are Michael Eskin though. I play on the Humours of Ennistymon and Pat Wards Jig anyway… remember these were recorded for educational purposes! I think it’s me on Paddy Fahy’s Jig and The Queen of the Rushes too, they’re a good few years old now!

I am playing my old Lambe set on the earlier ones. I was playing the Lambe set with a Martin Preshaw chanter on the more recent ones. Michael Eskin plays a Kirk Lynch D set on these.

Take care,

Patrick.

10

Shameless advertising!!! :stuck_out_tongue:

See you there,

Justine

11

Here’s the link to Michael’s page, that I am hosting for him:

http://homepage.mac.com/photomorphose/hubbert.html

Michael makes a really nice chanter, and I would suggest getting in touch with him, calling him up and talking to him. Get him to play them for you on the phone, which he will gladly do. Also, if there’s any way that you can make the SoCal Tionol, to meet him and hear his pipes first had, then by all means do it.

I have a beautiful 3 keyed chanter from him, but (and this is just my own personal inexperienced experience) I did have problems with the reed, which is not made by him, but by Michael O’Donovan. I also had problems with several additional reeds sent to me. Now, understand, I think the reeds are made for the west coast climate, and not for the Midwest, where I live, and are subject to those limitations.

But I am the first to admit that it was probably my complete ignorance of reed adjustment at the time.

The chanter that I have was pronounced by several pipers in California, as being a really superb chanter, with a great tone.

12

I see it as more of a public service (not disputing the shameless aspect) :laughing:

-Larry

13

Larry would never put in a shameless marketing plug for the So CaL Pipers Tionol on Oct 22 through the 24 on this forum.

See you then-Fel

14

Hi elbogo,

Did you have any pipers out your way [Pat Cannady?] check it out and try to get the reed going better for you? The reeds made here should work better in more humid climbs.

Patrick.

15

Patrick, I couldn’t get anyone here to tamper with the reed. But, Canaday is playing in a couple weeks at my 60th birthday party, so maybe i broach the subject with him.

ieee! 6o years have passed!

Humid climates, yes, and it is usually dry as hell here, with wild swings, all year round, and mostly cold.

16

Thanks to everyone for their replies - since I’m so sheltered as far as hearing stuff live goes, I can only go by what I’ve heard on recording. Mr. Quinn, the only samplings of your work I’ve heard are of your C chanters on Jerry O’Sullivan’s The Gift album and Cillian Vallely on the most recent Lunasa album. That sound is exactly what I’m going for - mellow, sweet, rich, yet clear, projecting and soulful. I therefore think it’s wonderful that you have such high praise for Mr. Hubbert’s work!

17

Elbogo wrote:" Humid climates, yes, and it is usually dry as hell here, with wild swings, all year round, and mostly cold."

…Sounds like where I grew up, Duluth Minnesota…just a few miles south of Frostbite Falls on the Canadian Border. :smiley:

18

Say, isn’t Duluth the San Francisco of The North?

t

19

When listening to recordings, or even stage shows, you have to take into account the skills of good sound techs for bringing out the best in the pipes through mic’ing, recording, and studio sound manipulation. I have heard Cillian’s set close up at the Chris Langan Weekend, and while he has an excellent sound and is a great player, I wouldn’t say that I heard anything extraordinary in the sound of his set.

However, the easiest way to get answers to some of your questions is to write Cillian and ask what materials his guills are made of: http://www.lunasa.ie/home.php.

Same for Jerry O’Sullivan: http://www.uilleann.com/jerry/.

djm

20

Tommy Kleen wrote:“Say, isn’t Duluth the San Francisco of The North?”

So I have heard. Hot-Dish-a-Roni, the ‘Duluthian-who-thinks-he’s-a-third-coaster’s treat’. I have also heard of Duluth being refered to as being ‘Canada’s bollocks’.
:smiley: