McCallum pipes are OK and yes their customer service is tops. However, there are many other makers out there that would be just as good.

The expensive ones such as: Athertons, Krons, MacLellan, and Colin Kyo make quality pipes with certain unique attributes.

The middle of the road and popular are McCallums, Gibsons, St. Kilda, Hardies and Dunbars and so on.

The other good makers of pipes that get left out of the lists are: Soutar, Sinclaire, Shepard, Wallace, etc.

There is nothing wrong in purchasing a used (quality) set. Not saying go to EBay, but the Dunsire site www.bobdunsire.com Trading Post forum crops up a few good deals every week. Might want to look there for good bargains. Of course if you are going into a band their expertise will help you point the way. Good Luck!!