Okay, so my attempt to create regulators is proving frustrating if not fruitless; the biggest problems being key mounting on aluminum rods and proper tuning of squared wooden regs.
But all the problems stem from one teensy oversight-- I’ve never played or even examined REAL regulators. Need I explain why that’s an issue?
So now it seems I’m moving to Rome and if my pipes aren’t sounding at least a triad by the time I get on the plane, it will be a long time before they play a full chord.
DOES ANYONE HAVE A TENOR AND BARITONE REGULATOR DUO WITH WHICH THEY ARE WILLING TO PART? I’ll buy the bottom of the barrel here, folks. A mismatched set? Even a Pakistani set? C’mon, I’ll be your best friend! I’ll do all your underhanded dirty work! I have a spare kidney!
When you say cheep, do you mean that the price is low or that the regulators make the sound of a budgie?
But seriously, have you considered buying regs from an established maker? BC Childress sells blackwood tenor for $500 and baritone for $575. Gallagher is $1000 for each (a bit more expensive).
I have never listened to them so I cannot attested to their tone. I believe that Tim Britton reworks these and other parts of Pakistani sets. You may want to give him a shout about them.
The waiting list for just one regulator from established makers is stupidly long. If I had something with proper mounts though I would forge the keys myself. So I guess all I need is the shell of a regulator. I wouldn’t even mind finishing the wood myself.
Tim Britton has taken the rebuilt pipes off his website. That’s a shame because I purchased his drones a few years ago and they have a great sound.
Somebody out there in magic cyber world must have something, right?
But I have to tell you that in the long run you are much better off spending the money on (and waiting for) regs from a reputable pipemaker. Buying the Pakistani stuff may sate your desire (at least for a little while) but down the road you’ll really wish you had saved your money and purchased something really nice with it instead.
The great advantage with UPs is that you can do it gradually (starting with a good practice set, adding drones, regs, keys, etc.). If you have a good quality instrument with parts made by one or more reputable pipe makers, your pipes will keep their value. The Pakistani stuff has no resale market, so you’re stuck with it.
Quite apart from the value, consider the maintenance. Any pipemaker worth his salt will help you with any problems (leaks, squeeks, etc) you encounter on the pipes he made. Buying the Pakistani gear, you’re on your own!! Not much fun after spending a few thousand dollars.
Hi! My name is so-and-so. I own two half-sets (which strangely don’t equal one whole set) each from a different reputable maker. I am ready for regulators. There are many fantastic makers from whom I would be honored to buy them.
Uh-oh! In a few months I’m going to Rome. From there it’s on to many exotic locales such as the Jungles of Central Africa, and Kyrgyzstan of the former Soviet Union. Pipe makers nearby? Not uilleann pipes! Stable address? I think not! When will I return? Two to six years!
Which leads me to the point: I wonder if anyone has any regulators they would be willing to sell. I’m not picky by any stretch of the imagination. Even Pakistani made regulators would be fine, but I would much prefer to buy them from somebody who just happens to own a set and NOT from someone who deals them (not a fan of Pakistan, man).
Admittedly, whatever regs fall into my pipes will not be as good as from a real craftsman, but six years is a painful prospect.
So to review, yours truly is looking for second hand regs. Ready…set…RESPOND!
OK, either you are or you are not picky, choose one.
In my honest opinion, people who have regulators either could afford to buy them all at once with the rest of the set, or they have waited many more years than 6 to get them. In any case, I do not think you will find somebody willing to give up their regs.
Your best bet would be to try the above mentioned suggestions, or wait. We’ve all had to wait. I waited for 20 years to get my hands on a set, and now I am waiting for my regs to be finished… it comes with the territory.
Why don’t you order them now from a “reputable maker” and they’ll be ready for you when you get back. With all that traveling you’re doing you may not have time to get practising, they take a bit of work.
Also will you have access to reeds on your travels or do you make them. Sounds like you’ll be going through a few climate changes which may result in reed changes.
Tommy
Run fast! Run quick!..Run!!!