I have the McCallume AB0, button mounts, nickel ferrules and slides. I suppose a little bit less expensive than AB1. I can also say the holes on the chanter are larger than other makers' chanters. I didn't care for it, and got rid of it. I like my McCallums, but I wish I had bought what sounds best to me. Yes, the customer service has been good (I wasn't happy with some chits in my blowstick and there was some combing missing from a ferrule, both replaced without question). Yes, it's a fine instrument. But, there are other pipes that sound better to me.

You may be able to get a 'custom' set of pipes from MacClellan or Douglas Macpherson with as little adornment as you like. (button mount, wood ferrules, no combing or beading-they look very nice) Be forewarned that MacClellan has about a 6 month wait list, MacPherson's is a little shorter.

That said....my best advice is to listen to pipes of your band mates, at games, etc, and buy what sounds best to you.

If you still like McCallum PM me and maybe I'll sell you mine