any comments on seth gallagher’s pipes?
spoke to him on the phone few days ago. he was very open to number of newbie questions that i had.
so far i was told he makes very nice set of pipes, just wondering if anyone has any comments regarding his pipes.
yes, i already read all the faq. just want to hear from people who had chance to play seth’s pipes and what they think about it.
regards,
peter kim
B08, did you try a Search on the Uilleann forum (top of the screen)? I think you will find Seth’s name mentioned many times, and lots of positive comments, both on the quality of his sets and the timeliness of his delivery. One thing many people note is that his sets are pretty loud, but no-one has said anything negative about tone or playability. Try the Search for more details.
djm
I had a chance to play one of Seth’s sets from about five years ago last Monday and it was a different animal from what he’s making today. I must say, I liked the old set much better as far as feel. The belows in particular didn’t fight your arm (keep springing back out when you want to close them) like his new ones seem to. The drones and chanter were all pretty similar. The bag felt a little more comfortable as well, though I don’t know if it was original.
Seth does certainly make a louder set than the “norm”, but not as loud as say Childress. Workmanship is really very high and seems to be extremely consistant.
B
I have one of his C chanters and tenor and baritone C regs by him.
I disliked his reeds (can pipemakers really make reeds? I haven’t liked any they furnished yet except for one David Daye gave me), but once I got one made, it is absolutely lovely.
I seldom practice with my D chanter any longer as this plays at less pressure than the D and you can get so many more tonal variations (which is a feature of flat chanters) than on the D.
I recommend his work.
I would also recommend Seth’s work. I like the volume on the concert set, that’s what concert sets are for afterall…The tone is still very sweet despite the volume, which is what I like about mine. I have also had pretty good experience with his reeds.
My bellows were a bit stiff at first but will loosened up with time. Durability is very good. Bags are by L&M -can’t go wrong. The leather on any 5 year old set is going to feel nicer than on a new one.
I have been really impressed by Seth’s customer service and turn around times. I don’t know of anyone else out there putting out that quality with a 3-6 mo. lag. My stuff has been ready earlier than expected on all occasions. Another nice thing is he only has a $50 deposit (last I checked), versus the 50% some makers ask you to plop down. He fields ‘dumb’ questions very cordially and is very approachable.
Go for it!
I have a Gallagher practice set that I received in July, and the drones will be coming very soon. I have not been disappointed with any aspect of this set at all, and the service by Seth is great!
I bought a used (two year old) half set this past March and have since added two regs with the bass coming in a few weeks. Excellent workmanship (reflecting his training with a well known instrument maker in New England). Great sound on chanter and drones. Original reed is fine. I’ve been playing only since March so my opinions will have to be qualified a bit, although seasoned pipers agree with me. Haven’t started the regs yet but when I fool around all of the notes match perfectly. The new Bellows is stiff but someone on the Forum said that’s a good thing as there is less work when it “springs back” ready for the next stroke. Seth will take your call or e-mail and is very approachable. He plans to expand his production facility to keep up with demand. Regards to all.
I suppose the bellows thing is a matter of preference. I find it takes much MORE work to hold his bellows closed which is where they should be the majority of the time. If you are always being forced to hold your arm out at such a wide angle it puts your right wrist (for right handed players anyway) at a very un-natural position and makes playing much more difficult. I can’t imagine it’s healthy for the poor tendons in there either. I haven’t ever seen a piper who always holds their bellows extended on purpose when playing anyway.
I’ve never played any other makers bellows that had this noteable “spring” to them. I’m not convinced it’s just the leather needing to be softened but rather it feels like this is how they are designed. The set that I played, while it was indeed several years old, was like new and was only played for a couple of months before it was put away. It’s first owner decided the pipes weren’t for her and sold to it’s current owner a few months back.
Perhaps it’s something in the hinge design, I’m not 100% certain. What I do know is that I found it most distracting and uncomfortable. As I mentioned earlier, you may not find this on an older set of his - and it may be something that you could request be made with or without the ‘spring’ in it.
Anyway, if this doesn’t bother you regarding the playability, I’d certainly suggest getting the whole ball of wax from Seth as he makes them now. Best advice, is try them out and see what YOU think.
"If you are always being forced to hold your arm out at such a wide angle it puts your right wrist (for right handed players anyway) at a very un-natural position and makes playing much more difficult. I can’t imagine it’s healthy for the poor tendons in there either. I haven’t ever seen a piper who always holds their bellows extended on purpose when playing anyway. "
Thanks, Brian. Good tip. I’ll watch out for this.