Chiff and Fipple Forums

There is some biographical information, in the form of interviews, on The Pipers Call video. The interviews with the man himself give a good illustration of his character. Such a relief from the overbearing self-importance of many in a similarly well-known position. One of natures gentlemen.

Migration? Why? No need to 'shut the place' at all. I'm very grateful to Dale ( and the moderators ) for the facility they have generously shared with us all. If some want to 'migrate' I only hope they close the door on their way out.

One thing I've found about the powder coating on my tunable Howards is that the insulation which the coating gives seems to make the whistles easier to warm up. I think they are incredible value for money and if you have any problem with physical compatability they hold their value and attract a lot...

I recommend you to listen to some different sets live. My C# set, made by Brian Howard, is beautifully mellow and can easily be reeded to play even more quietly. The drones play beautifully ( somebody once told me a flat set should sound like a cat purring on your lap ) and just buzz behind the chan...

You could get a reed within days from www.howardmusic.co.uk from a maker who has been a full time professional for over 30 years and there aren't many of those with that sort of customer service that I've heard of.

Tonys link to Brian Howard is a good one. Brian can supply a reedmaking kit including everything needed, along with a DVD. I wish this had been available when I started. Learning with the kit is easy because you can not only see the dimensions and thicknesses to aim for but you can feel them too. Af...

And thanks to Jims advice to me last year I heard Jimmys marvelous singing. When I asked if he played anything he said 'only the piano'- making gestures as if to play the keyboard.When I said he should have one in the bar he pointed to the cash register and said ' that's my piano!' A real gentleman ...

I completely agree with Joseph, "making reeds isn't as difficult as some make it out to be". I did exactly what he recommends "sit down with a reedmaker". In my case it was Brian Howard ( with over 30 years professional experience of reedmaking ) and he showed me how in less than...

For those of you who have asked me to pass on the DVD when I get a copy from Chris, I will do so as soon as I have it. He has promised to send it 'this week' with a chanter cap I have been waiting for for some time. Watch this space.

Hello Chris,
You can send me one when you get round to completing my order.

Hi Joseph,
You can see Brians on his site www.howardmusic.co.uk

I don't know if it's common knowledge yet, but I was at this weeks meeting of the Sheffield Pipers Club and Brian Howard has tweeked the latest head even further and the results are very rewarding. For anyone thinking of upgrading my advice is go for it! I don't see them on the site yet but he has t...

Hi Joseph,
Ramon speaks good English. You could try ringing on 34 972 318 119. Good luck and good reedmaking. The stuff I picked up from them gouges really well. ( for me that means easily! )Ramon was VERY paticular about when they cut and how they dry theirs.

Some of the members of the Sheffield club recently visited the Medir factory in Spain. We were warmly welcomed and given a guided tour of the whole process by Ramon, who spent hours explaining everything and showing how they produce such excellent cane.We shared a superb Catalan meal in the evening ...

For anyone who can get to Sheffield for the weekend of October 28/29/30 there is a reedmaking workshop and a pipe/whistle workshop hosted by Brian Howard. The website is www.sheffieldfolkfestival.org