An early Christmas present arrived today - a new set of bellows-blown SSPs from Lauriebeck pipes. They are an A/D combo set made from bocote wood with blackwood mounts and brass fittings. I have another set of SSPs, but these pipes are truly special. The small attention to detail makes them a pleasure to hold and play. Apparently the maker, Alec, used to be turner for Niall bagpipes, so he knows his business.
The good
Cane reeds made by the pipe maker - anyone who can’t hear the difference between cane and plastic on SSPs should listen again. They have a really sweet buzz and full sound that I have never heard from plastic reeds.
Leather bag - I prefer bags with some weight. They are easier to control and just feel nicer.
Brass-lined tuning pins - glass-smooth movements on the drones.
Sound - They played as steady as a rock straight out of the box.
The Maker - excellent customer service.
The bad
9pm curfew on playing. I won’t be able to put these things down.
Other than that - nothing at all.
Alec was a pleasure to deal with and he bent over backwards to accommodate my requests. I have always been lucky to have dealt with pipe makers such as Alec and David Boisvert who love their work.
If you are in the market for some SSPs, I highly recommend that you give Alec’s pipes a try.
http://www.lauriebeck.co.uk/index.html
He has some freaky pink pipes on the front page, but don’t let that put you off. His pipes are up there with the best makers.
Enough talking- let the pipes speak for themselves.
I will try to get some sound files soon, but pictures and sounds never do justice to the real things.
Mukade
