http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=928318671
The pictures aren’t very clear, but it appears to be a keyless unblocked chanter.
Actually it appears that there are blocks for at least a Cnat key, although it doesn’t look as though the key is there.
Not much of a description, really - I wonder who “reeded up” the chanter?
But, for $300…
Bids start at $300… and there’s a reserve. Typically, single keyed Sloan practice sets have gone for $700-$1,100. I’m suprised this auction has no bids yet.
I have a Sloan practice set that is a bit older model than this one. I think Ray leaves key blocks as standard fare just in case someone wants to add later. I’ve been very happy with mine and his workmanship on the bellows and bag is truly high quality. Based on the few sets I’ve seen, Ray’s sets tend to look more clean and modern than many on the market. This is not a negative, but someone who wants a set that looks 100 years old will not get that look in his pipes. Sloan practice sets are relatively inexpensive compared to most at about $825 (plus s&h). His basic half sets list for about $2,300 and his delux half sets for more than $3,300. It’s interesting to note that the price diffentials between practice sets, half sets, and full sets can vary quite a bit from one maker to the next. I wonder if some of you knowledgeable folk can explain the economics of it to curious and ignorant people like me.
Examples:
Pipemaker A, has a day job and works in his basement making pipes part time nights and weekends on vintage equipment he acquired over the years. He takes a few orders a year and maintains a low overhead.
Pipemaker B, rents a warehouse and employs two helpers. His workshop is fully tooled with relatively modern equipment and continues to operate when he travels out to tionols, fairs and seminars to develop sales for his business. He’s capable of producing many sets per year (and needs to) in order to support himself and his staff.
Which pipes cost more, A or B?
Either could cost more. I know makers with ‘vintage’ equipment who charge quite a bit for their pipes and they’re worth it.
I use ‘vintage’ equipment myself and I’m quite happy with it. I wouldn’t turn down a 20,000+ CNC lathe if someone gave it to me (and upgraded my electricity/&c), but I’m not going to shell out a few thousand for a ‘modern’ lathe that doesn’t improve upon my ‘vintage’ lathe.
I don’t mean to dismiss your point. It makes sense. Of course the pipemaker who devotes his time, hires people and equips his/her studio with new equipment would charge more, but the reality of the situation is that maybe he shouldn’t charge more depending on the quality of his/her work.
Dionys
Dionys, leaving the answer open WAS my intent. I have NO IDEA which one whould be higher.
Granted a warehouse/studio with employees (and taxes and benefits) obviously costs more per hour to operate. But they (hired help) often do the less difficult work allowing the ‘master’ time to make the critical pieces. It’s possible they are more efficient and can produce more product at a lesser cost rather than a higher cost.
Similar discussion was on the whistle board about buying a makers product and not knowing if it was made entirely by him, an apprentice or aided by other means of skilled labor.
Would you think less of a maker who employs shop help over one who does every operation?
Compare it to old masters art. When you look at a renaissance master’s painting or a sculpture by Berninni or Rodin, you’re actually looking at the scut work of a lot of the master’s students. The master guides and makes sure the work is progressing properly and then comes in and finishes the finer points of the work (and gets the credit). Titian himself really only did hands and faces (reeds and tuning)in his later career. Oh, to have willing apprentices (COUGH = Slaves) to do my scut work. 
Still, a master has been through all the phases he asks an apprentice to accomplish.
Marc
This auction ended with the set selling for $540