Does anybody know of any good Uillean Pipe makers in Australia? I’ve been trying to chase down some makers. I know of one in Brisbane by the name of Adrian Jeffries, but I’m not sure if there are any others in my neck of the woods. Are their any near Mackay Queensland by any chance (Or in the Whitsunday District). In my opinion I would rather by a set that’s was made near by, in the case that something goes wrong I can easily get it fixed.
Also, does anybody know of any tutors or players in the region that I would be able to talk to.
Just got back from a most enjoyable visit to Australia including a few wonderful days in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.
Adrian Jeffries is probably the closest maker to you, which, if you live in Mackay, is still quite a drive.
I know that Terry McGee, a flutemaker down in Canberra, used to make pipes, but I don’t know if he still does.
The Australian pipemaker I’ve heard the most favorable reviews about is Ian Mackenzie, but I don’t know where he lives or how to contact him. I know there’s at least one person on this board with a set of Mackenzie pipes though, so perhaps they would be so kind as pass along the relevant info?
Ian Mackenzie is in the process of moving down from the mountains to Lithgow. He replied to my April e-mail last week indicating his new workshop is operational (with drawbacks) and the weather there is beginning to turn cold.
The old address is still good (his daughters live there) but you’ll have to leave a phone message as he doesn’t get there very often now. I’ll update when I find out the new contact information.
SIMACK
Sue and Ian Mackenzie
24 Belvidere Avenue
Blackheath, N.S.W.
Australia 2785
Ph.02 47 876220
L42B,
Ian is an extremely talented piper and pipemaker. His knowledge and humor is amazing! I’ve purchased 2 sets from him and wouldn’t hesitate ordering from him again. His waiting list was about two years before his move… it’s probably longer now. Try contacting him, hopefully he’ll be able to help you.
What sort of reports have been given on Adrian Jeffries sets. I’ve heard a few sound samples on his website. They have a very nice sweat sound from what samples I’ve heard.
Does anybody know of any second hand Ian Mackenzie sets lying around, prefurably a practice set, or half sets? I haven’t had any experience with Uillean Pipes at all. But I do play the Scotts Smallpipes (bellows blown) and Great Highland Pipes.
Tony,
If you get Ian’s new address could you please contact me via the forum’s. If I can get a good set from Ian at a resonable price all the better.
L42B,
I heard back from Ian yesterday. He’s still using the old address and phone number for now. He stops in to check messages and e-mail several times a week.
The good news is (and I’ll quote) “We are now back into pipemaking in a serious manner-after quite a long break.”
I have heard good things about Adrian Jeffries work and he works with some very exotic woods at times. I don’t have any personal experience with his work though. But I have heard from someone on this board that he wasn’t taking new orders at this time due to a large backlog. I could be wrong there.
I also play the GHP’s (Lawries with a Hardy chanter) and the Cauld Wind pipes (Hamis Moores).
Adrians pipes are very dependable, and they have an excellent tone. I played mine with Michael McGoldrick and he told me that he liked the sound of my pipes.
Adrian the man himself is also very dependable . Couldn’t help replying because I’m off to your neck of the woods tomorrow. I’m not a piper but I’m a big fan of the pipes and I played in a band with Adrian for a while back in the days…I do know that I really like the sound of his sets and he knows to deal with reeds in the heat and humidity swings of Queensland.
I own a set of Ian MacKenzie’s pipes (D) which I’ve had for about for 7 years. His workmanship is remarkable and for the price, brilliant.
I’ve taken my pipes across the world and have many ‘established’ players comment on the tone and quality of the chanter. I’ve had a few older players in the west of Ireland wanting the thing.
Anyhoo. I’m aware of Adrian’s pipes (As I’m from Charters Towers, N.Q. and used to live in Brisbane.) He makes beautiful pipes as well. I have played his chanters though I must declare, Ian’s are my favourite. Nice chanter width, easy to blow (using Ian’s reeds), Indestructable bellows and kangaroo leather bag.
brunach, welcome to C&F. While it’s true Ian and Adrian are top notch pipemakers, don’t assume all Australian makers are in that classification or you may be sorely dissapointed.
Justin Pickford has given pipemakers in Australia an undeserved reputation and he provides a perfect example of ‘caveat emptor’. Don’t assume all pipemakers in any country are top-notch, and don’t judge by his workmanship.
Ian MacKenzie, Adrian Jefferies, and Craig Fischer (should you be so lucky to get on his list) are as good as you will find anywhere. Remember, Geoff Wooff began and practised his trade for about 11 years in Australia before he moved to Ireland. Between some nice Harrington, Coyne, and Egan sets – among others – that found their way to Australia, there have been some good examples for these makers to copy and model.
There is at least one other emerging from the woodwork (no pun really intended) who has done a nice job of a flat set he made for himself.
New member here, but I’ve been playing an Adrian Jeffries chanter for the past 12 years. In fact you can hear one of my compositions on his website at -
called “The Miner’s Widow” - a piece I composed about 8 yrs ago to be tacked on the end of one of our Welsh mining songs.
Adrian’s chrome-plated sets are very spectacular.
Unfortunately Adrian once fell victim to some of JP’s unscrupulous dealings so if you’ve heard bad news about Adrian or Ian Mackenzie through anyone who’s had dealings with JP, don’t fall for it.
