I have been researching a practice set.... now I feel that I know less now than I did before I started looking.
It looks as though most practice sets are between 750 and 1250 Euro. Drones and regs would be years away but I don;t want to waste any money on a garbage, out of tune, practice set that I can't eventually upgrade to a pretty nice set.
So who should I look into for reasonable wait time and good to very good quality in an upgradable practice set??
Also, if I am off on my Euro assumption let me know.
Your guestimate of price is more or less correct. I don't know who has an open wait list these days, but chances are you'll have to wait at least a year for a chanter. The other thing to do is keep your eyes open on http://forums.chiffandfipple.com/viewforum.php?f=6 and www.uilleannobsession.com, where people often advertise secondhand sets. It won't be much cheaper if at all, but you won't have the long wait.
For a list of makers and other useful information go to NPU's website: www.pipers.ie.
You'd be best getting a good chanter to start off with, always a good investment. If you live somewhere in Europe and want the best then I'd recommend: Evert'jan t'Hart at: http://www.hartdd.com/pipes.html
or if you're in the US then Brian Bigley at: http://www.brianbigleymusic.com/
These two makers are making quality instruments and their waiting lists haven't gone mad yet. Both makers are experienced uilleann pipers, and know what they are doing. I think they are the best of the "new wave" instrument makers crafting uilleann pipes these days.
Brian's CD is here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/brianbigley
1. I live outside of Philadelphia PA, USA.
2. for a practice set $1500 would be tops. It actually sounds like quite a bit but I understand pipes are very expensive .... so it is what it is. I would rather spend a bit now than have to replace garbage later when upgrading to drones and regs if I make it that far...
"Steamwilkes, you should also mention Stephanie and Tim Benson. Also making great stuff. Every bit as good as Brian Bigley's work. http://www.bensonandcorneliuspipes.comNico.
Yes, I know, I've mentioned them before a few months ago. It's just that they just have a new baby or are expecting one soon, so their waiting list has grown a little longer. I'll mention them anyway:
Stephanie and Tim Benson in the US are also making top notch instruments -
Yeah, good point Steamwilkes, they did just have their baby. Can't think of anyone else in the states that would be quite as good or as cheap or as quick as Bigley or the Bensons, anyway.
Buying on ebay is always a risky thing, especially for a beginner, and especially if you haven't got expert help from other pipers / reedmakers.
Agreed, but a Pat Sky Budget set, from Pat Sky for example, at a buy now price of 500£ delivered. Cant be Bad for a Beginner.... could it? Resale on that is bound to be at least 300 in how many years time?
The fact is Ebay is fast becoming THE online marketplace. More and more people are realizing its advantages as a market front.
Ideally however you want to buy a set from the world class reedmaker/piper/pipemaker who lives next door or a short drive away and who is a personal friend and wont even charge you full price and will make a space in his 15yr waiting list for you straight away!!! sigh...!
If like most of us, this is not the case, then we must research reputable pipe makers. We must research reputable Bellows makers then with some patience Money and fortune we can get a working set for not so much money somewhere second hand or even new online.
The reed for the pipe should be considered an essential aspect of any purchase to be carefully considered, not just the reed but someone who will continue to make reeds for your chanter. The Heat and humidity of the environment it comes from and to where its going.
At least 2 spare working reeds is, IMO, an essential part of buying a chanter, if not with the chanter, then ordered Immediately.
Both Pat Sky and Mike Hulme will both make you reeds Im sure. You might notice that the Kieth Powel set and the M Hulme set are from the same seller.
Hi Tradmanpicks
Why not try your own area? Seth Gallagher is a very good pipemaker in upstate New York. He is very helpful
See http://www.uilleann.com/
Pipers. please help
Pipers. please help
I have been researching a practice set.... now I feel that I know less now than I did before I started looking.
It looks as though most practice sets are between 750 and 1250 Euro. Drones and regs would be years away but I don;t want to waste any money on a garbage, out of tune, practice set that I can't eventually upgrade to a pretty nice set.
So who should I look into for reasonable wait time and good to very good quality in an upgradable practice set??
Also, if I am off on my Euro assumption let me know.
thanks
# Posted on December 14th 2009 by tradmanpicks
Re: Pipers. please help
Your guestimate of price is more or less correct. I don't know who has an open wait list these days, but chances are you'll have to wait at least a year for a chanter. The other thing to do is keep your eyes open on http://forums.chiffandfipple.com/viewforum.php?f=6 and www.uilleannobsession.com, where people often advertise secondhand sets. It won't be much cheaper if at all, but you won't have the long wait.
For a list of makers and other useful information go to NPU's website: www.pipers.ie.
# Posted on December 14th 2009 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Pipers. please help
You'd be best getting a good chanter to start off with, always a good investment. If you live somewhere in Europe and want the best then I'd recommend: Evert'jan t'Hart at:
http://www.hartdd.com/pipes.html
or if you're in the US then Brian Bigley at:
http://www.brianbigleymusic.com/
These two makers are making quality instruments and their waiting lists haven't gone mad yet. Both makers are experienced uilleann pipers, and know what they are doing. I think they are the best of the "new wave" instrument makers crafting uilleann pipes these days.
Brian's CD is here:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/brianbigley
# Posted on December 15th 2009 by Steamwilkes
Re: Pipers. please help
It might help if tradman told us what country he resides in at the moment.
His approximate price range would be helpful, too.
Good luck.
# Posted on December 15th 2009 by Piece
Re: Pipers. please help
Steamwilkes, you should also mention Stephanie and Tim Benson. Also making great stuff. Every bit as good as Brian Bigley's work.
http://www.bensonandcorneliuspipes.com/
# Posted on December 15th 2009 by Nico
Re: Pipers. please help
right...
1. I live outside of Philadelphia PA, USA.
2. for a practice set $1500 would be tops. It actually sounds like quite a bit but I understand pipes are very expensive .... so it is what it is. I would rather spend a bit now than have to replace garbage later when upgrading to drones and regs if I make it that far...
so far very helpful.
thanks a million.
# Posted on December 15th 2009 by tradmanpicks
Re: Pipers. please help
there are a couple of practice sets on ebay at the moment;
http://cgi.ebay.it/Uilleann-D-practice-set-keyed-chanter-and-stop-key_W0QQitemZ170420194159QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_186?hash=item27add5cb6f
http://cgi.ebay.it/Uilleann-D-practice-set-keyed-chanter-and-stop-key_W0QQitemZ170420194159QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_186?hash=item27add5cb6f
there's even one advertised here on this site. A Logan Half set and an O'Grady half set also on the Bay.
For advice and pipes look/ask here....
http://www.uilleannobsession.com/faq.html
http://forums.bobdunsire.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=356
http://forums.chiffandfipple.com/viewforum.php?f=6
http://uilleannforum.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=2
# Posted on December 15th 2009 by piobagusfidil
Re: Pipers. please help
correction.
http://cgi.ebay.it/Uilleann-D-practice-set-Made-by-Keith-Powell_W0QQitemZ170420188193QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_186?hash=item27add5b421
# Posted on December 15th 2009 by piobagusfidil
Re: Pipers. please help
grand. I've got a bunch to go on here.
# Posted on December 16th 2009 by tradmanpicks
Re: Pipers. please help
"Steamwilkes, you should also mention Stephanie and Tim Benson. Also making great stuff. Every bit as good as Brian Bigley's work. http://www.bensonandcorneliuspipes.comNico.
Yes, I know, I've mentioned them before a few months ago. It's just that they just have a new baby or are expecting one soon, so their waiting list has grown a little longer. I'll mention them anyway:
Stephanie and Tim Benson in the US are also making top notch instruments -
# Posted on December 16th 2009 by Steamwilkes
Re: Pipers. please help
and another;
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/UILLEANN-PIPES-BUDGET-PRACTICE-SET-BY-PATRICK-SKY_W0QQitemZ180445964325QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a036ae825
# Posted on December 16th 2009 by piobagusfidil
Re: Pipers. please help
Yeah, good point Steamwilkes, they did just have their baby. Can't think of anyone else in the states that would be quite as good or as cheap or as quick as Bigley or the Bensons, anyway.
Buying on ebay is always a risky thing, especially for a beginner, and especially if you haven't got expert help from other pipers / reedmakers.
Good luck.
# Posted on December 16th 2009 by Nico
Re: Pipers. please help
Agreed, but a Pat Sky Budget set, from Pat Sky for example, at a buy now price of 500£ delivered. Cant be Bad for a Beginner.... could it? Resale on that is bound to be at least 300 in how many years time?
The fact is Ebay is fast becoming THE online marketplace. More and more people are realizing its advantages as a market front.
Ideally however you want to buy a set from the world class reedmaker/piper/pipemaker who lives next door or a short drive away and who is a personal friend and wont even charge you full price and will make a space in his 15yr waiting list for you straight away!!! sigh...!
If like most of us, this is not the case, then we must research reputable pipe makers. We must research reputable Bellows makers then with some patience Money and fortune we can get a working set for not so much money somewhere second hand or even new online.
The reed for the pipe should be considered an essential aspect of any purchase to be carefully considered, not just the reed but someone who will continue to make reeds for your chanter. The Heat and humidity of the environment it comes from and to where its going.
At least 2 spare working reeds is, IMO, an essential part of buying a chanter, if not with the chanter, then ordered Immediately.
Both Pat Sky and Mike Hulme will both make you reeds Im sure. You might notice that the Kieth Powel set and the M Hulme set are from the same seller.
Here is some good advice;
http://www.iol.ie/~npupipes
/How%20&%20Where%20To%20Buy%20A%20Set.htm
and some pipes for sale;
http://www.iol.ie/~npupipes/Sets%20For%20Sale%20or%20Wanted.htm
and while you are there, check out the Stolen sets that will be somewhere trying to be sold.
# Posted on December 16th 2009 by piobagusfidil
Re: Pipers. please help
Hi Tradmanpicks
Why not try your own area? Seth Gallagher is a very good pipemaker in upstate New York. He is very helpful
See http://www.uilleann.com/
# Posted on December 20th 2009 by knightly