Since we're on the subject of who owns what

Uilleann Pipes
1

Since we’re asking who plays whose pipes, I thought I’d ask who out there is currently playing pipe made by Charles Roberts?

I feel the number must be relatively low since he didn’t make pipes that long in Sligo.

I have not heard if he is currently making pipes in Spain since his move there. Anyone know?

Let us know if you play his pipes and what configuration you are playing.

I have a D full set in African blackwood, imitation ivory, and nickel-silver.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Cheers! Richard

2

I have a half set in B.


David

3

The last time I saw Charles, about three years ago, he was still making pipes in Spain, both Union Pipes and NSPs.

4

I have a Roberts practice set with Finbar McLaughlin drones.

5

So…from the few replies I reckon I own a relatively rare set of pipes?

Come on…I know there are more Roberts sets out there, right?

Just curious how many sets are out there and perhaps how many are being actively played.

Cheers! Richard

P.S. Any know Charles Roberts address? Is he still in Spain

6

I have a full set in D by Charles Roberts that I bought from a board member.
Not too keen on the chanter but I have two other chanters one by Sam Lawrence and a Williams, I really like both chanters.
I’m using bellows by Simon Hope and a bag from Jackie Boyce.

I’m never going to be a good player and I don’t have a lot of time at the moment to practice but the tones good enough for me and gives a lot of pleasure.

I’ve tried contacting Charles in Spain via his website a few times but no replies.

Iain

7

At the tionol in Listowel, I only saw and worked on one set of Charles Roberts pipes. I heard of one practice set that was there in the hands of a beginner. Not a popular maker at this point.

8

Good to hear from you Ted.

Charles was never that popular in the sense of selling a lot of pipes because of his long turn around time. He did do a fair amount of restoration work though.

I stayed with him for two days in Ireland and he probably put in about 4 hours of work a day in his shop in between eating and hanging out at the Journeyman pub in Sligo where I had a great time istening to his son, Alan’s, band play till the wee hours.

He was (is?) a fantastic pipe maker though.

As a testament to him, I am still playing my original chanter reed from 1998. Well made and well balanced pipes that have performed great all of these years.

Cheers! Richard