Since Mr. Daye is still not taking new orders for finished practice sets, I’m contemplating ordering one in kit form, since a friend of mine has been kind enough to offer to help put it together. I can probably tie in the stocks, I’ve done that before on highland pipes, but can anyone tell me what else is involved? I have no technical abilities whatsoever, so I’ll be passing your description along to my friend (who is very skilled) to see what she makes of it and if she thinks she can do it. Yes, I admit, I’m getting ever so slightly impatient to get started
It’s really pretty easy. I’d say the hardest, or at least most annoying part is tying in the stocks. And I wish I had used a drill when I put the bellows together; it would have been easier than using just a screwdriver. In total it probably took me around 3-4 hours.
I’d also highly recommend getting the leather bag instead of a vinyl - the vinyl bag won’t really cut it if you want to add drones later.
Thanks, this is very encouraging. Pretty sure my friend has a drill, if not we can get one. I’ve tied in stocks before on GHB, indeed, kind of tedious, but I’m not so worried about my ability to do a competent job. And yes, will definitely be getting the leather bag.
its pretty impressive all things considered. penny chanters sound quite good.
I would say that david daye is in the business of making pipers just as much as he is in the business of making pipes. where would we newcomers be without our nifty penny chanters.
Yes indeed. Contrary to grousing of certain detractors, David’s work has been a boon for uilleann piping, and he should be hailed for his work.
I’ve built both the “from scratch” instructions, finding my own materials with one of David’s reeds, a practice set kit and a couple bellows kits. I all cases I’ve been extremely pleased with results, found the directions very lucid and within the grasp of just about anyone.
Actually… in the case of the “from scratch” chanter, I was pleasantly shocked that after a couple of afternoons of work in my kitchen ( and a trip to drill press in the garage) I was able to produce a chanter that worked very well and in tune with a professionally made reed. That chanter is still going strong!!!
And that chanter was made about 9 years ago; David has made small improvements and expanded his offerings. The vinyl bag in the old kit wasn’t bad and I understand his new ones considerably stronger. On his site, he does recommend using a leather bag for sets with drones. A friend of mine has used a Daye leather bag on his “real” wooden full set for the past couple years and swears by it. I have a newer set of his bellows, again made for a kit, and continue to be seriously impressed by them.
tompipes sent me his daye chanter and i am impressed by its tone. Now granted when my “real” chanter comes i will not need it anymore but this means i can begin practicing now instead of 6 months from now.
There is a video on youtube with a daye penny chanter check it out.
I should also add, Dayes drones are friggin awesome. Nice and meaty bass sound. I finally made my first reed (for a pennychanter)! Granted it sounds like poop next to Dayes, but it plays
