Newbie from California

**SLOpipes** · 26th September 18, 04:33 PM

Hello!

Thanks for adding me. I've begun piping recently and have been invited to join a band (I actually started looooong ago but never bought a set of pipes; found a set on craigslist in April - total score - circa 1955 Charlie Wicks, like brand spanking new, way below value). As they don't have uniforms (smaller band) of any sort, if I join it's all on me to get the kit going.

I haven't picked a tartan, but family-wise the ones that appeal are Ewing and Davidson. The Davidson of Tulloch appeals a little. Based on my yDNA, I was assigned long ago to a Matheson DNA project group, although I have yet to find any evidence of such in my known paternal lineage. Based on the DNA, if it's in there, it's waaaaay back. But I do like Matheson Hunting Modern, as found on Lochcarron's site. Leaning in that direction.

I'm probably looking to get the kilt, sporran, ghillie brogues, glengarry, waistcoat and Argyll jacket. But, oh, the $$$. So I'm completely open to some pre-owned options.

Does anyone know of any of the shoe companies that make the ghillie brogues in wider widths? I'm a 4E-5E (just wide across the transverse arch) and most regular shoes won't cut it. I will appreciate any info available on that front. So far, I haven't seen wider options anywhere I've looked.

I figure I'll have the kilt for quite some time, so I'd rather start with a quality product. I'll appreciate any info regarding the names of any kilt makers who might be off the beaten path but make a great kilt.

I'm looking forward to spending some time here!

Thanks in advance for any and all advice and counsel. Much appreciated.

**Father Bill** · 26th September 18, 06:24 PM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble"! You'll soon get a lot of answers from a lot of very capable people. My only advice is to take your time, save your money, make your choices and then buy quality. You'll never regret quality.

**California Highlander** · 26th September 18, 08:35 PM

Welcome to the rabble from must a bit north of you in the SF/Oakland area.

**Richrail** · 26th September 18, 09:48 PM

from Reno, NV. Check out the advertisers here on xmarks for a quality kilt. I get mine from USAkilts they are really great to deal with.

**Kiltedjohn** · 27th September 18, 03:23 AM

Welcome from a Scotsman living in the English midlands. I agree with the advice to take your time, and to go for quality. I know some contributors have strong view on such matters as ghillie brogues!

**Tarheel** · 27th September 18, 04:28 AM

Well met and welcome new piper. Concentrate on the shoes as you will need quality to maintain good health and spirits while performing as a piper. The rest of your attire will be more fluid in its use, as you gain or lose weight for example, but more importantly as you learn more about wearing a kilt.

Glad to have you with us and hope to hear more about your exploits.

**Ckin** · 27th September 18, 08:10 AM

Welcome, fellow kilted American. Pretty new myself, here, but just enjoying the threads (both kinds). Eagerly awaiting my first utility kilt today. Will probably don it this weekend to go to the farmers market.

Congrats on your new pipes. I'm not a piper, but I am an organist, so I have played much bigger sets of pipes. ;) My son has a set of bagpipes. Not very high quality though, so they don't get much use.