You have all probably heard this before but I am very much thinking of getting a full set of pipes. It’s just that it is such a lot of money so I don’t want to get something that is not ok.
At the moment I’m playing a C. Roberts half set with a D. Daye delrin chanter.
I was thinking of getting a set from S. Gallagher. Any other suggestions of do’s and don’ts.
I live in Sweden so I am left a bit on my own concerning getting there and try the sets. I’m depending on you out there to help me.
Hi Robert!
It appears that Seth will not have a problem attaching regs on a roberts set - I’ll have mine this winter 
If you are happy with your drones why not stick with them? It does make it a bit cheaper…
Morten
Why not consider some of the other pipemakers closer to home? Surely it is easier for you to travel in Europe than to come all the way to North America? That is not to say there is anything wrong with Seth Gallagher sets, but you will want to have easy access to your pipemaker for questions, reeds, and ongoing maintenance.
djm
Why not get regs from C Roberts if you’re happy with the rest of the set. Someone posted recently that Roberts has relocated and set up shop in Spain, and is making pipes again. Also if you could make do with just the tenor & baritone regs then you wouldn’t have to be without your stock, that is if it is bored out and plugged? Will you be coming to the Copenhagen Irish Festival this year? Edit: prehaps Roberts doesn’t make regulators, is that the rub?
Regardless of the maker you choose, If you want a full set, buy a full set.
Don’t ask the new maker re-use your existing drones and try to fit and balance their regulators to your old pipes. You will forever be talking about a ‘Frankenset’ of pipes from different makers should things not meet your liking.
You run the risk of improper fit or delays having to make a new drone stock or replacing the bag to raise a longer stock, customs, freight bills, no pipes for weeks while your new maker puts things together.
Do it right. Play your pipes until the others arrive and sell your old pipes, giving someone else a chance at a half set while you enjoy your new full set.
I play a frankenstien set. Works for me. Not sure I agree with you totally on that score Tony old chap.
I’ve sen Ben’s Frankenstein set and yep it does seem to work for him, check him out on clips and snips. Not so sure about the scar around his neck though 
and the bolts sticking out of his collar 
I’ve been thinking of a Frank. set since I’ve got a great craftsman doing some wondrous things on the bordeer pipes and the GHB herre in Sweden. He is able to get me some wonderful drones but the cost in total will be almost the same thing as the full set would cost ( with regs included).
What the heck…it’s only money isn’t it?
Go with what your heart feels is best…after all, you are the one who will be playing the ‘heck’ out of them…therefore they ought to please you. If long distance dealings with Gallagher is nothing that you find burdensome, get a set of his pipes…after all, there are far worse sets to purchase.
For a Gallagher set, I’d give my left…no, I better not say it and jinx myself.
Good thing I said “should things not meet your liking”
I think you took offense to Frankenset… perhaps ‘hybrid set’ would have been a better choice of words.
Lundblad, It’s a big investment, possibly a lifetime set for a piper. Important decision requiring plenty of research. Best wishes!
Hey, what’s this rolling around in the dust behind my computer desk? Looks like somebody’s left _____ 
djm
I will be coming to the Copenhagen Irish festival this year. I think I have made up my mind. If I buy a set it will probably be all things from the same maker. Thanks for all help, if there is still some comments and hints please let me know.
Martin Preshaw, Kevin Thompson & Andreas Rogge are nearby (Europe), and I believe have relatively short waiting lists? You could check out their pipes and prices, order what you can afford, chanter drones, and then add regs later. That way you’d have a stock & sticks by the same maker if that’s an issue. Best though if you can get to see and hear pipes “live” if possible before deciding. It is a lot of money you’ll be spending so you’ll want a set you can live with, and like the look and sound of. Some sets/sticks are nicer looking than others. Personally I’ve never liked Peter Hunter’s ugly, bulbous wind caps for example, or the somewhat weedy, Northumbrian pipe, live sound of Brian McNamara’s Kohler/Quinn D chanter (again prehaps the reeding thereof at the time of hearing?). The Rogge drones on the D sets I’ve heard, in Ireland, sound harsh to me, but that could be the way they were reeded prehaps? The Preshaw D chanters I’ve heard have been loud, again reeds prehaps. You may also prefer a loud bright chanter. Just my opinion by the way, others, yourself maybe, may have no problems at all with the above issues. At the Copenhagen Irish festival you’ll have the opportunity to see and hear a few different sets I’m sure.
djm:"…Hey, what’s this rolling around in the dust behind my computer desk? Looks like somebody’s left _____ "
===============================================
…dammit! I knew that was gonna happen! But do I learn? Nooooo way! djm, be a good fellow and send it back…thanks.
At the Copenhagen Irish Festival there will be various sets made by:
Dave Williams
Brad Angus
Charles Roberts
Marc van Dahl
Andreas Rogge
Johnny Burke/Donnacha Keegan
Leo Rowsome
A fair selection for a browsing piper 
Morten
Joseph, its no fault of your own, so please don’t feel bad. Its these damned interdimensional voritces! 
I guess we’ll just have to use more cobbler’s wax on the thread next time. Anyway, your package is in the mail - literally!
djm
…thanks, much appreciatred.
Tony, My dear fellow, no offence was taken in the slightest 
I am happy with Frankenset for the moment. I am planning to get some new regs soon but for the moment I have to beat the crap out of the regs that work on my set 
Thank you guys for all advice.
Have just spoken with S. Gallagher and confirmed my order.
A year waiting is a long wait. But what I’ve heard his pipes are definitely worth the wait… 
Rob