I’m planning to start learning the pipes as soon as I raise the money for a half set.
Living in the forgotten lands to the east of Dayton, Ohio, there are few Irish musicians to be found. It might be nice to find a piper get advice from, listen to tunes, maybe get lessons, steal stuff from his fridge, etc.
Hallooooo? Anyone out there?
From Seth Gallagher’s website (uilleann.com) here are details of 3 Ohio pipers. I don’t know how up-to-date this stuff is.
Michael Kilbane
28605 West Oviatt Road
Bay Village, Ohio
tel: (440) 835 9869
email: mckilbane@juno.com
instruction
Timothy Benson
10 West Mather Lane
Bratenahl, OH 44108
tel: 216.851.3555
email: timothybenson@hotmail.com
David Jones
Cincinnati, Ohio
tel: 513-509-5933
email: phantom@choice.net
Only two of us left in Cincinnati. Please check us out at The Riley School of Irish Music http://w3.one.net/~rsim/. Phillip Rolfes is currently the “instructor”. Both of us play Seth’s pipes and we’ll help anyone over the initial hump.
Morgan,
I am in the same boat as you. I just got my starter set a month or two ago. Ran into the dreaded reed dilema. 
Last week I bought a chanter from Kenneth McNichols out of the great Irish Piping state of Texas. I inquired about reeds and he set me up with three. Exellent service, nice people. 
I am very pleased with the chanter and am making good progress for a beginner. I am a fluter/whistler so that helps. I am located in Kettering and play in a local pub band “Dulahan”. I have made contact with another piper from Washington Twp. who also is a member of this forum, that is how I spotted him.He is into making reeds and offered some good direction. Feel free to contact me.
Slainte, Leo
Leo,
I’ve heard of your group but have not had a chance to hear you live–my loss.
I would like to hear your set when you feel confident about making a sound.
You can contact me at: johnmortensen {AT} cedarville {DOT} edu
My group is The Demerits. We are fairly new (2003) and only now are starting to play places besides our home base at Cedarville University. This is our big break that is going to make us a fortune:
http://www.springfieldartscouncil.org/festival-event-list-2005.htm
(and look at August 7)
I have no pipes yet but am hoping to raise the $$$ for a half set by the fall.
Cheers…