Has anybody ever purchased an Uilleann Whistle Pipe from Song of the Sea to learn the fingering? I am curious as to your thoughts and recommendations for a beginner who has a B.Mus. and is an uilleann-piper-wannabe who has lots of time. Are there better economical options? Thanks from Halifax, Canada, folks!
Anonach,
I bought one. I played it for a few weeks and put it away. It’s close in length to a D chanter so the difference in finger stretch isn’t a problem. It’s musically accurate, being in tune with itself, but the whistle chanter is in the key of A. This makes it difficult to play along with a CD unless you are using software that allows for pitch change (Winamp, Windows Media 9.x, etc.)
Something new came to my attention today so I’ll make a comment on this thread.
I visit http://www.bagpipeworks.com/ on a regular basis. Davy does website updates and always has some fine products to display.
Today I saw a new product and I think it speaks for itself. Have a look at this:
http://www.bagpipeworks.com/budget_sticks.htm
Oh… it’s your first post to C&F so WELCOME ABOARD!!!
In 1972 I was touring in a Rock & Roll band and got stranded in Halifax that winter. Beautiful place, but I know nothing about the abandoned U-Haul trailer in the hotel parking lot.
[ This Message was edited by: Tony on 2002-10-01 21:38 ]
That looks like a really nice Chanter, doesn’t it? And a very reasonable price. Aonach, If you are gonna learn the pipes, It makes much more sense to learn on something like this. Good luck!
[ This Message was edited by: paul on 2002-10-01 21:35 ]
Awwww cmon, you can’t tell by looking. Budget means cut corners.
Kota
It LOOKS nice. It might sound nice, but you don’t know until you own one. It’s cut by a CNC machine (computer controlled lathe). This won’t take into consideration any variation in the wood. Every chanter will, though, be cut to the exact same specifications.
I don’t know if the CNC machine does the tone-holes as well, or just the bore and outer shape. In any case the whole ‘stick’ is only as good as the measurements fed to the CNC and the accuracy of the CNC.
If someone purchases one, let us know how it plays. If it plays well, it is an excellent alternative, and a very good use of the CNC machines (something I have been thinking about for ‘discount’ chanters).
Dionys
Kota, I based my comments on the fact that it was made by a well-known reputable Pipemaker and on his description. (and the picture) 
You do make a very good point. If it doesn’t play well, it’s worthless.
Hopefully someone has tried one and can give some feedback. If it’s any good, It’s a great deal.
-Paul
What do we know of mass produced instruments?
the words “suits beginner” spring to mind. Is there a buzz from anyone in the British Isles about this stuff?
Kota
Mass produced?
Forget beginner… let’s talk about high-end, high-tech high quality guitars manufactured by companies like Yamaha and Ibanez.
Flawless instruments one after the other, after the other, after the other.
Sorry,Maybe I should have said mass produced pipes 
Get my drift now?
Kota
Thanks to all who responded. I ordered a set today and will report on what I find. Cheers! (from Halifax, Canada).
Aonach, if you ordered the new Stephenson chanter, check out MacHarg for a good, inexpensive bag:
http://www.vermontel.com/~theweepiper/pipebags.html
and in Canada for bellows:
http://www.kennedysuilleannpipes.com/
OR: anyone know who makes good inexpensive bellows?
For bellows, you might contact John Liestman, a Northumbrian pipemaker in Texas (is that an oxymoron?) He plays Uilleann pipes too, and has a website somewhere (search for liestman & northumbrian)
I have a set of his, and they are well made, comfortable and put out a lot of air. They’re not dirt cheap, but were much less than some others.
Tim
I received a Davy Stephenson deluxe English Holly (warm and sweet sound) practice set , last week… and it’s wonderfull!!! the sound is great, and it’s one of the most beautiful set I have never seen!
Davy made it in 4 months, and he’s really helpful!
So I can say: yes, Davy Stephenson is a very good pipemaker!
Merci beaucoup Davy for your work! All my friends in sessions were astonished!
ps: There’s only one problem with Davy… he’s English 
Aonach.Whistle Chanters one word-Suck.Your gonna have to learn the bag agus bellows trick anyway .If its a question of cost buy a cheap tin whistle in D for the pitch or Bb for the stretch(remember to keep the fingers straight)
Buzz word in British Isles re Davy -NIL
I am amused by the comments such as de-luxe English Holly.I dont see that it makes a blind bit of difference other than marketing.I cut some nice Holly at Loch Lomond recently,as it is Scottish Holly will it sound any different to its English counterpart!!Muse on.
[ This Message was edited by: bagpipeworks on 2002-12-14 11:44 ]
Thanks for that information, Davy, and especially about the protection of species… always something to be mindful of.
Actually, there are a number of people on this forum who happen to be well pleased with Davy’s pipes, irregardless of the “buzz” in the Isles.
I’ve heard them and they sound as good as any one elses, even without studio effects and played by a beginner.
[ This Message was edited by: elbogo on 2002-10-06 14:10 ]
Elbogo,the Buzz question was raised by Kotoputer and deserved a reply,is that OK with you?What experience have you had with other makers chanters especially TOP NOTCH makers Rogge or Woof for example?To say as good as anyone elses chanters is a very sweeping statement and could be very misleading so be careful with your words.I have no knowledge of Davys work so no axe to grind but…
I seem to recall that this forum wasn’t meant to be used for self advertisement is that still the case?or is Bagpipeworks exempt!
Davy I dont think anyone out there really takes the difference between Scottish Holly and its Sassenach Cousin seriously?as I said its a nice little marketing ploy.I am glad it is protected as it is my Clan badge and permission was granted.
[ This Message was edited by: Uilliam on 2002-10-07 03:03 ]
I believe that it’s okay to advertise on the board once, though I can’t remember for sure if this was allowable.
I do have to agree that the comments made were taken in a negative manner by both Elbogo and Davy, even though I don’t believe any negative comments were made other than that people needed to wait and see (or hear as the case may be) rather than simply assume it is a nice sounding stick.
In my opinion, that’s just common sense and not a slight to the maker.
Dionys
Not long ago Dale reposted the boards policy regarding commercial posts:
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?topic=6300&forum=3&0