Hi there -
I am new to the world of uilleann pipes. I just bought a half-set off ebay (bag by davy spillane, chanter and drones by arie de keyser, no bellows). I’m looking for help in making my own bellows AND looking for tutorials: NPU videos, Heather Clarke tape and book, people willing to teach in my area (Port Hope, Ontario), etc. Ebay is annoying - everything seems to become too costly. I’d appreciate any feedback - THANKS!
Melissa Wotherspoon
Hi Melissa! Welcome to the UP Message Board! You are right about e-bay. Plus you never know what you’re gonna get. If you keep an eye on the board, you will notice that almost every item that comes up on e-bay gets thoroughly reviewed by knowledgeable Pipers. You should be able to find everything you need here. Good luck and good Piping to you! 
Slan
-Paul
[ This Message was edited by: paul on 2002-10-01 11:29 ]
Hello Melissa and welcome to the wonderful world of Uilleann Piping. Ebay does tend to be overpriced from time to time (though sometimes you do find deals). If you want new copies of tutors, there are several sources in the US and probably Canada. Used copies, I’d try piping clubs. Keep us appraised of your progress, frustrations and accomplishments.
Dionys
…
Melissa,
You can always use the search feature in the top right of the screen.
Not to discount current conversation and available links… but bellows have been discussed before:
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?topic=5072&forum=6&12
If you’d like to spend some money, you could look at the bellows at this site (and all the other cool stuff there too). They’re expensive but really nice.
Welcome to the C&F Wotherspoon!
As a fellow Ontarian, I can give a little advice as to an instructor. You may not have heard of Debbie Quigley, but you will Debbie is a very fine piper and a very very nice person, quite well known in the piping circle. I don’t think that Port Hope is too far from Scarborough where she resides. I’m quite certain that she is giving lessons, in fact I owe her a call to book some time for lessons. I found her contact info at the Chris Langan site under contacts:
http://www.chrislangan.com
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need any more local information. Press the little letter box under this posting to email me.
Cheers,
PR
[ This Message was edited by: Paul Reid on 2002-10-01 15:45 ]
i will second the rec on the dow bellows (the maker is also a master carver, thus the url of “archcarver”). i have one which i currently use for smallpipes but hope to use for my practice set when it comes. it ran me about $500 but it is beautifully made. i expect not to have to obtain another for a very long time. i believe mr. dow usually has one available.
if that amount of money is a problem, i have an extra smallpipe bellows which i do not use. it is very well made. a smallpipe bellows is inadequate for a full set or a half set, but if you are going to be playing a practice set for a few years, i believe it will be just fine. it is about 15% smaller than a uilleann bellows in its measurements. however, because of the geometry of cubing, the air volume is about 30% less than a UP bellows. if you are interested, e-mail me at
meirc1@yahoo.com
a UP bellows would be your best solution.
meir