I am considering diving into piping, having been a flute, fife and whistle player for years. Since I’m diving into new waters, I would really like to hear from experienced pipers on their recommendations on reasonably priced practice sets. Since I will be playing with other instuments in a contemporary band, I only need the chanter, no drones and regulators. I must be in tune and preferably tunable.
Thanks!
Dave, welcome to C&F !
where do you live?
Tony:
Thanks for the welcome! I live in Southern California. Do you have any recommendations on practice sets?
My personal experience is with Preshaw pipes. I have two of his chanters concert pitch in D each producing same tonality and consistency. I also know of other pipers happy with his work. His price are fair but watch out for the exchange rate. Since I have two I might be selling my practice set as I have a half set. If i sell price is $1000 US shipping included. here is link on his pipes. http://www.unionpipes.co.uk/
Look up the names of the various pipemakers, starting with Americans, and do a search of their name both here and at the Uilleann pipe Mailing List Archive http://listserv.heanet.ie/lists/uilleann.html. You can read up on what folks have to say about all the different pipemakers, and what they’re after.
Then order a set from Brad Angus.
I would highly recommend Seth Gallagher! Plus his wait period for a practice set is now only 6 months. I don’t think you can go wrong with Gallagher, Lynch or Childress though. However, it depends on what you are looking for re: price, wait period, especially the sound of the chanter itself, and perhaps, distance the pipemaker is from you for visiting.
Gallagher is at uilleann.com
Alan
Practice sets?
Most cost effective, synthetic materials, short delivery… but no upgrades.
http://www.thepiperscut.com/
An O’Grady set will be available in the late fall at Song of the Sea:
http://www.songsea.com/uilleann.htm
Canadian Joe Kennedy keeps a short wait with reasonable prices:
http://www.kennedysuilleannpipes.com/
Our own David Boisvert at Greenwood Pipes:
http://www.greenwoodpipes.com/index.html
are you confused yet?
each one of us meant to help you, but has a group, we have still left you a decision to make.
everything said so far is correct. they are allexcellent.
for my money i would want to be in the same country as my maker.
so i would consider first any of the american makers listed above.
in california (i am also in southern cal) we have good people to talk to in the piping world,but not too many makers. a couple of good reed people, though.
meir
Southern California? Maybe give Michael Hubbert a call:
Michael Hubbert
13341 Estate Dr.
Boonville, CA 95415
(707)895-2155
Again, depending on what you can afford to spend. Plus his wait times are still low, and he’s in your area. However, it is most important to listen to as many pipers as you can, find out whose pipes they are playing. Try to get a sense of the sound of different chanters. Find out what you like, then order.
Don’t overlook David Daye’s Penny-Chanter. Get the leather bag, not the vinyl though.[/url]
Welcome to C&F Phil… !!
Hey Dave,
Have we met yet? Where abouts do you live?
Check your private messages.
Patrick.