Full set of Uilleann Pipes looking for a new owner. To good home only. Gets on well with concertinas and fiddles. Will make a great set if treated well.
Concert Pitch D full set
Blackwood and Brass
made by Robbie Hughes (Hughes & McLeod) Newry, County Down Ireland
Chanter & Drones ca. 1993
Tenor & Bariton Regulator ca 1994
Bass Regulator 2009
Bag, decentric stock cap and drone stop key: Cillian O’Briain (Dingle, Co.Kerry) 2011
Bellows: Andreas Rogge (ca 2005)
I have owned and played this set since it was made- there are no other previous owners. I had it serviced regularly by accomplished pipes makers (Andreas Rogge, Tom Aebi, Mickey Dunne, Cillian O’Briain and also Robbie Hughes himself) so it is in great playing condition.
Special Features: Chanter has a C-Natural key and a second thumb hole for the F-natural. This is conveniantly covered by a black rubber band when not needed, or I can get it permamently closed before sale if you like. I suggest anyone to try it first, as it opens very interesting possibilities (e.g. F-natural rolls etc.)
I had the stock shortened as it was originally made for giants. A new stock switch was put in which runs very smoothly. A decentric stock cap it taking pressure off the bass reg and thus avoids the common air leaks at the connection between the stock and the reg.
This set has a slightly more narrow bore than a standard concert pitch D instrument. Robbie designed this to achieve a mellow sound, resembling the narrow bore flat sets. Many listeners have commented me on the beautyful sound of this chanter, and it is truly special. However, I have also achieved a loud and crispy sound with this chanter by using a slightly harder reed.
I am also selling a lovely blackwood and brass Seth Gallagher Chanter and would be willing to sell the full set with the Gallagher Chanter instead, if anyone would prefer a more standard sound.
Condition:
The overall condition is very good, given the age of the instrument. With the current reeds it is rather easy to blow and everything works and functions well. I like the old look so I never polished the brass parts. There are a few superficial scratches, but nothing major. The only “defect” is the plastic mounting of the brass and bariton drones had to be filed down a bit to make space for the new stop key mechanics. Back then I put functionality over beauty, and this is at a spot thats not visible. It would be easy enough to make two new mountings if its important for you.
The bass regulator was made only a few years ago, but Robbie has done a great job and you dont notice the difference to the older regs. The bass reg keys are slightly smoother. The plastic mounts on the drones are made from a different material than the chanter and reg mounts. They have turned more yellow over the years (antique look) while the others remained more white (ivory look).
Reason for sale: I got a new instrument because I felt it was time for a change after nearly 20 years! I will be sad to part with this but I dont have the time to play two sets and I think an instrument should be played, not sit in a box!
This will go for the best offer, I am hoping to get Eur 3800.- / USD 5000.- / £ 3100.-
Audio sample:
If you search for Antonia Dusa Wernig on youtube you will find a few videos where I play this set.
Contact: wernigantonia@gmail.com
Email me for more photos etc.
Thanks!
Antonia