Changing times......

[NorCalPiper]

Since I am new to this forum, I wanted to give you all a little of my back-ground....And then vent a little.

My name is Josh Brown and I am 37 (GULP) years old. When i was in High School and early College, I was EXTREMELY active in the Scottish scene. I was a piper with the Atlanta Pipe Band, my mother was a country dancer, my aunt was a silversmith and had a company "Legend Silver". We all were totally immersed in Scottish everything. This was the mid to late 80's, early 90's and they were great times........But we all seemed to exhaust ourselves in one form or another with all the games, competitions, and culture. I stopped piping during college and never seemed to take it back up.

After the birth of my daughter this year, it just hit me to start piping again. No real reason, it was just there to start it again. So I went about getting my gear ready- since I had sold, given away, lost everything scottish I owned. Here comes my vent-

I just can not believe how expensive things have gotten over time. Since I plan on doing solo only for a while, I wanted to have a full regimental for gigs, and semi formal for competition. I priced what I'd need from stores here and in Scotland and was shocked at how much it would cost. In the old days, Pakistani pipes/kilts/etc. were not at all well looked upon, and I CERTAINLY would never consider buying or owning such a product back in the day. But today, I've been forced to supplement my outfits with products made in Pakistan/India(?),because of the VAST difference in price. I've received my feather bonnet, and am incredibly please with its make and quality. It was 300$ cheaper than what I priced in N.A. & UK. . Next will be my Piper's doublet and Argyll. My belts, diced hose (Diced and regular) and flashes, AND my regimental horse hair and day sporran...All made in in Asia with a price tag night and day lower than what. ESPECIALLY the horse hair sporran which can run you 600$.........UNBELIEVABLE!!!

I would like to special mention Matt Newsome for making really unique kilts at a reasonable price.

I don't know....i just feel bad when I hear talk of how these products cheapen, or are laughably less than what can be offered by "Real" makers. I'd like to spend on products made here, but its just too expensive for me....Anyway, just wanted to get that out...Maybe this makes no sense.......