hey patrick,it does not flatten the pitch unless i slide it further up,so it seems to be fine,thanks again,tansy
Above the difference between box and ebony was mentioned. Be aware that most modern pipes are being made in African Blackwood which some of you may think of as ebony but this it is not. African blackwood gives a shriller, harsher sound as compared to the ebony which gives you a mellower tone rich in harmonics.
You ask about Angus sets versus Gallagher. I’ve played both and Gallagher is better. My suggestion if you want a quiet set: get a narrow bore D chanter from either Andreas Rogge or Brad Angus (although I would have a seasoned piper try to play Angus’ chanter before I purchased it) and mate it to a regular set of drones. I do this with a Angus chanter and Lynch drone set and it works pretty well. You could try to get a D narrow bore chanter from Geoff Woof, but he wrote me one time and said he only sells full sets now. If he DOES sell just D narrow bore chanters, I wanna know!!!
Dave, someone told me Geoff has a 10 year waiting list!
On 2002-01-23 20:51, Tony wrote:
Dave, someone told me Geoff has a 10 year waiting list!
It’s 13 actually by now and the issue of him making only full sets has been up here before and this is not true!
Dave, was the comparison of an Angus versus a Gallagher in wide bore D chanters?
Have you seen/played a Rogge narrow bore D?
Peter, 13 years is quite a long time to wait for pipes. Who else is in that league making narrow bore D’s without such a long wait?
On 2002-01-24 04:52, Tony wrote:
Peter, 13 years is quite a long time to wait for pipes. Who else is in that league making narrow bore D’s without such a long wait?
It is, isn’t it and by that time he will probably have retired 
I wouldn’t touch any of the other mentioned makers pipes, but then: I am fussy.
EDIT:
In fairness, re-reading above message I haven’t played any sets by Brad Angus so I exclude him from what I said above. Please note this is only MY opinion lots of people are quite content with instruments by makers whose instrument I may or may not like
[ This Message was edited by: Peter Laban on 2002-01-24 11:55 ]
Peter.. you have every right to be fussy.. you’re in the heart of it all.
Who else could do it? Dave Williams, Marc van Daal?
i am interested in what pipe makers you would consider if you suddenly found yourself pipeless.
tansy
i ment to ask this of peter laban
I would have to twist somebody’s arm and jump the queue;-)
I came across a letter from Geoff yesterday (spring cleaning)and his terms were full sets, about a ten year wait and 8,000-10,000 Irish punts, and this was 3-4 years ago. Granted, I could be wrong, he may have changed his policy about only selling full sets since then. If so I’d like to know, as I’d really like to get on his list for a narrow bore D chanter.
As far as comparing sets, I’ve played Angus, Gallagher, Rogge, Quinn and Lynch sets in concert D. I haven’t had the chance to play a Rogge narrow bore, only the Angus which (after two returns for reboring and reedwork) works passable well but even with rushing is still a bit sharp in the top of the second octave, but I really like the tone. Granted, I have not had the chance to play a lot of Irish/English sets, but this is by choice because it’s easier to get and maintain sets from someone in the U.S. due to simple proximity… like I said, I’m a big fan of Froment. If I could get a narrow bore D chanter from Geoff, he would be my first choice, hands down. Barring that, Rogge has a reputation for really good craftsmanship and he visits the U.S. frequently and holds workshops to help owners maintain pipes he has made. When I bought my Angus, basically noone else was making a narrow bore D. Don’t get me wrong… Angus’ selling point is that he is good with customer service, and he’ll futz with pipes until you are satisfied with the results, but I’ve seen pipes go out that should have been “tightened up” more before being released.
Come on, Petey me boy… you avoided the question: If you were to buy pipes today, who would be on the list? If not DMQ or Froment especially…
All things being equal… I noticed that you hail from Co. Clare, Peter. If you happen to cross paths with with Geoff, will you ask him if he would be willing to make a narrow bore D chanter? The wait time is not a problem. Thx…
Dave
and peter,whose queue would you choose to be a jumping?
i’m just interested in your knowledgable favorite(s).there are several makers you do not like.
tansy
Dave, Tansy I am not going to answer that question.
I am very particular about what I like and what I don’t like. I have one set of pipes I have been playing it since 1984, it has never given me major problems, in fact most of the reeds are the original ones. I am not going to change it for anything else. Should I have to replace it, it would have to be by one as close to the old one as possible. Which actually answers the question after all.
I am sure Geoff will make you a chanter if you order one.
[ This Message was edited by: Peter Laban on 2002-01-25 05:39 ]
Okay… I’ll give him a ring. If he says yes, I owe you a big beer of your choice, if not, I’ll collect my Porter pint from you on my next swing through Shannon.
Hello to everyone, I love to read your “bantering” back and forth.
Tony, I wanted to thank you for the advice you gave me a while back on my Neil O’Grady set. I was able to up the elevation (the opening of the reed lips) and for the most part am not over blowing my back D now. thanks.
I have another question for you or anyone that has played any kind of an O’Grady set. I am considering getting on his list for a set of drones and probably the regs also. I have been happy with my set from the moment I got them. They have been in tune and farely easy to play right from the start. A few guys at the Southern California pipers club even commented that the pipes were easy of play and in tune when I went down to their monthly meeting (I took this with great relief). (By the way, great bunch of guys. Patrick D’arcy was there but can’t wait to meet him next meeting). Anyway, my reasons for getting the drones and eventually regs from Neil are:
- I have been very impressed with Neil himself. I have to talked to him about 5 times on the phone and he has always been patient and helpful to answer my questions before I got the set, and now that I have the set, technical support.
- The Exchange rate for american dollars to Canadan right now is awesome, and HIS PRICES! I talked to him on the phone yesterday. His for drones is $800 Canadian . That is only around $500 American. And $2500 Canadian for the ful set of regs. That is around $1500 American. His waiting list about a year. It almost makes me have to wonder, for that price are the drones and regs any good?
Anyway, I would love to here any of your advice, or just what you think. I have to talked to too many pipers that say you only get what you pay for, so I just want to make the right decision.
Thanks again
Joseph
Sorry typo from last message Patrick was NOT at the club meeting
Joseph
Joseph, I would agree the exchange rate could make or break a deal. As indicated on earlier posts O’Grady sets are no frills traditional styling. I have no personal experience with his drones or regulators, but I’ve seen posts on another message board where his half sets have been given a good report.
The topic is ‘super mellow sets’ and my O’Grady chanter is my quietest D chanter, it’s also less touchy with reed settings… even if I use the same reed in other chanters.
Currently, I practice with an O’Grady bag and bellows and easily switch between various chanters, including my C and B chanters. I’ve noticed the leather hinge and the strips that hold the arm belt to the bellows have stretched to the point where they will soon need attention. I’ll probably take the bellows to a shoemaker and have him replace the strips with thicker leather in the same size and shape as the original so it will appear new and not modified. The inlet stock that gets tied to the bag is also an area of maintenance as the cold weather (and some abuse on my part) caused the stock to shift and leak. I used a thin layer of contact cememt (liquid plastic) and pulled the stock back into place and retied with the original cord.
Dollar for dollar you probably can’t beat the deal for O’Grady… unless you decide to buy Australian as the US dollar is around $1.95AU
Tony,
I don’t know how you can reply so quickly. I guess you monitor the board A LOT! Thanks for the QUICK reply. Like I said I have been pleased with my practice set and have not really ahd to adjust the reed hardly at all (A true blessing from GOD). I understand that his sets are no frills, but all I want is something that plays well and sounds good, and so far I have it. I think I am going to go ahead and order the drones from him.
Another question. You said that his reeds can be made to play quiet by sanding. How do you go about ding that. I have a spare reed and am going to oreder two more (for only $20 each…sheesh a steel), so I woul like to try and and have one redd that plays normally and one that plays quiet.
Thanks once more.
Joseph