Pipers What d'ya blow and why?

[ExDragoon]

Since it wasn't specified what type of pipes.....Ian Kinnear Scottish smallpipes, and Neil O'Grady Uilleann pipes with a CJ Dixon chanter. I do have a set of GHP's that my father picked up years ago which were made in Pakistan. I had an accomplished piper check them out a few years back and his advice was to save my money on fixing them up and use them for a decoration. They're now nailed to the wall.

[Macman]

MIne are McCallum AB4's, with a McCallum plastic chanter, Bannatyne bag, EZDrone tenor reeds, and Kinnaird bass reed. I went with my instructor's advice on everything because I'm a newbie. It will probably be the first and last set I own.

[rsvpiper]

I play a set of Atherton's although I haven't been playing recently. I'm also a big fan of classic bagpipes and prefer MacDougall and Glen.

Someday, I'd like to own several sets of vintage/classic pipes.

Why are Atherton pipes soooo expensive $3000(£2600) for imitation or art ivory! am i missing something, There are several Glen/Lawries in ivory for less than that around at the moment, Craftsmanship I understand but?

[Cowher]

I used to play MacCallum Polly pipes. It's a long story but I now suffer from nerve damage in my mouth and face. Unfortunately it left me unable to play the highland pipes. I thought my piping days were over. I found a video of Mike Katz playing Scottish small pipes. I loved the sounds and I started to look into border pipes, smallpipes, Northumbrian pipes and on and on. I found MacLellan studio pipes as well as a smallpipe maker in Russia. I decided to buy the MacLellan studio pipes for the cost and uncertainty of my ability to still play at all.

I LOVE THEM! They are a blast to play.they sound sweet. They look smashing and I can't put them down. I am planning on purchasing a set from the Russian pipe maker in the future. I can't think of his name right now but he does fantastic work.

EDIT: his name is Alexandre Anistratov. check out his YouTube videos he's very good!

[Dram]

Why are Atherton pipes soooo expensive $3000(£2600) for imitation or art ivory! am i missing something, There are several Glen/Lawries in ivory for less than that around at the moment, Craftsmanship I understand but?

It has all to do with the best materials and the highest regard for craftsmanship and a commitment to quality.

I've seen a lot of atrocious bagpipes coming from companies that are "name-brand" and supposed to be reputable.

The level of quality is worth the money.

I understand where you're coming about price...they were expensive for me, but I felt it was worth it.

I would like a nice classic pipe too someday but sadly even those you have to be cautious with especially considering many are bought sight-unseen.

[trifin]

hey all
i play Mccallum ab4's with celtic engraving and the mopani mounts. ross synthetic bag and crozier carbon fiber drone reeds. have the standard mccallum poly chanter.
my second set are 1950's j&r glen's. they have the same bag and reed set up.
hve a set of gibson firesides in cocobolo with the stainless ferrels. they are super fun to play and dont blow every one out of the room. ive got the bflat and a440 chanters! its nice to play with other instruments once in a while.

[48th Highlander]

Until you engage Dave Atherton in a discussion, you will never know why. $3000 for a commissioned set of pipes. Yeah, that was so before his 2 year lead time.

People will argue with this, but I have not met a Grade 1 professional piper that has seen or heard a set of athertons that would not sacrifice a left ball for a set.

Expensive? Mine were over $10K, custom silver and ivory. They will be here long after I am gone, and I hope my descendants don't sell them at a garage sale.

The quality is insane. No it is not just the craftsmanship, it is his insane anal retentive selection of materials, disposal of materials he has worked that show a flaw. PERFECT.

They sound it too. Magic. The best of the old world makers with the knowledge that 200 years of pipe making brings.

This may not be worth it to you, but to me, worth every penny and every day I wait.

[Gael Ridire]

Cowher: I too can no longer play the Highland pipes and I obtained a pair of lowland pipes in trade for some photography for several CD covers. But I just wasn't coordinated enough for the bellows action. Now I couldn't play because of arthritis. Glad you were able to make the switch.

[rsvpiper]

This may not be worth it to you,

Now now I did not say they are not worth it my question was why the high price as for the sound I've not herd any of his pipes, Can you post up a sound bite just of the drone would love to hear em

[OC Richard]

I have not met a Grade 1 professional piper that has seen or heard a set of athertons that would not sacrifice a left ball for a set.

I think that's overstating the case somewhat. True that several pipers in SFU have switched to Athertons and are using them both in the band and in solos. But on the other hand I can't recall seeing very many (if any) Athertons being played in Scottish Grade One bands, or in the hands of many top soloists outwith those from SFU.

The caveat is that I haven't seen the 2011 Worlds DVDs yet; when I do I'll keep an eye out for Athertons, which are easy to spot. But I didn't see many outwith SFU at the 2010 Worlds.

The pipers in our local Grade One band, the LA Scots, seem content with their 100-year-old Hendersons and Lawries and I've not seen an Atherton there.

In fact I know of only three Atherton sets being locally played, none by top-level pipers:
1) a guy in a G3 band who solos in G2. His pipes sound fantastic and really stand out from the rest of the solo competitors at local Games.
2) a guy who plays at the G4 level.
3) a beginner.

Which is not to say that Athertons aren't the best pipes being made today! I think they are. But top pipers haven't gone over to them wholesale.