Does anyone know who made Michael’s pipes? They have a very distingtive look! Is it true that he has owned and lost a number of sets?
I’m sure he plays a Dave Williams chanter, with a older set he has,
if I remember rightly the last time I spoke to Michael. all the best. 
I have the Irish Music Magazine September 1997 which quotes about MIKE MCGOLDRICK instruments stolen at that time and this is what it said
MIKE MCGOLDRICK had his instruments stolen, along with the rest of the contents of this car, at the end of July whist it was parked in manchester. The pipes were left handed and made by Dave Williams. Also taken were two bamboo flutes in G and F, low whistles by Shaw and Overton and a D chanter by Howard. A reward is offered for the safe return. If you can help can help, call us at UK or Dublin and we will arange for Mike to get in contact.
Cheers
Ferg
I have the Irish Music Magazine September 1997 which quotes about MIKE MCGOLDRICK instruments stolen at that time and this is what it said
MIKE MCGOLDRICK had his instruments stolen, along with the rest of the contents of this car, at the end of July whist it was parked in Manchester. The pipes were left handed and made by Dave Williams. Also taken were two bamboo flutes in G and F, low whistles by Shaw and Overton and a D chanter by Howard. A reward is offered for the safe return. If you can help can help, call us at UK or Dublin and we will arrange for Mike to get in contact.
Cheers
Ferg
Your right ferg, but I think Michael has picked up an other Dave Williams chanter since then, all the best.
As far as I know Michael bought his stolen Williams set back the same year they were stolen.
A couple of fellows turned up at a session asking if anyone
wanted to buy some bagpipes for hundred pounds. A suspicious musician said he was interested and arranged to meet the following day.
He phoned Michael, described the pipes and Mick said to pay the money and get them, and this was done.
Thank for the info Evertjan, thats probably why he still plays a Dave Willians chanter.all the best.
Did the chanter have silver fittings with box mounts, bit like this one?
http://www.armaghpipers.com/wkpf/archive/2006/pictureGallery/images/20061116/preview/DSC_1583.JPG
If so it was made in Birmingham last year.
He only mentioned he played a Dave Williams chanter to me Marcus, but that was last year, is that one of your sticks in the picture Marcus? Michael is playing now?. all the best.
Hi m coulter
I believe that the last set Dave Williams made went to the Armagh Pipers Club.
David
Perhaps I was being a bit ambiguous.
I made Mike a chanter last year while I was still in Birmingham.
A photo of which can be seen via the link to the Armah Pipers club. Not a great photo of the chanter admittedly, but you can see the difference between the brass and imitation ivory of the Williams set against the silver and box of the chanter.
Another photo can be seen here:
http://www.nwup.org/images/tionol2006/DSC04154.jpg
Again not hugely clear, but you get the idea.
As to wether he plays it nowadays, or alternates with his Williams - I couldn’t say. Haven’t met up since christmas.
Marcus.
It would appear that the chanter is still in use after all:
http://www.rte.ie/tv/transatlanticsessions/prog1.html
Starts at 21:29.0
And:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVztCC37wlc
Starts at 02.32
thanks, great stuff, loved the use of the dobro by jerry douglas, really added something fun to the music, which was certainly reflected in the faces of the musicians.