Uilleann Pipe Buying Questions

[WhistlingGuitar]

Thanks! I'll check them out. The more options the merrier...

[JordanMcConnell]

My 2 cents thrown in…
When I was getting going I played on a Rogge polyacetal chanter for a couple of years while I waited for him to make my ebony set. It was a great chanter and I actually wish I still had it. Sold and sold again…
I have had at least 4 Rogge concert reeds come through Manitoba, survive multiple (brutally dry) winters, and move on to a new location with the new owners reporting success. I still have one killer reed here that I kept despite not having a Rogge stick for it that I suspect would drop into a new chanter and play fine. Just to say, his reeds have been survivors in my experience.
The bag and bellows that came with the chanter when I got it were basic but functioned very well.
Unless things have changed dramatically from when I owned one, I would vouch that the polyacetal practise set at 770 Euro is a hell of a good instrument at a really good price. Not to mention Andreas has decades of experience behind his work. Without a doubt it would be my first choice for a bare bones budget.
Also to throw into the mix, Joe Kennedy in Canada and Tommy Martin in Ireland have both been making basic chanters at low price points lately. I think you’d pay more than a daye or Rogge plastic set but you’d get a first class instrument.
Best,
Jordan

[WhistlingGuitar]

I was actually just looking at Rogge's practise set yesterday. It certainly sounds like it will do well for my needs. Thanks for the recommendation.

Does Joe Kennedy have a website, or does someone know his current price list and wait times? I can't find any information about him online, but I really would like to check him out.

Martin pipes also look like a good option, especially since they're are available right now. Choices, choices...

[Steve Bliven]

I notice that you suggest that you are sometimes in the states. If so, you might check into Bruce Childress' pipes. He makes practice sets and, while I'm not a piper, I've seen his work at the Pipers' Gathering and heard positive comments on the practice sets as well as how easy it is to work with him.

Best wishes.

Steve

[JordanMcConnell]

Does Joe Kennedy have a website, or does someone know his current price list and wait times? I can't find any information about him online, but I really would like to check him out.

Joe keeps a pretty low profile online. No website. His email address is unionpipemaker@yahoo.ca
Just reach out and let him know what you’re after.

[WhistlingGuitar]

Thank you! I'll send him an email.

[PJ]

Joe keeps a pretty low profile online. No website. His email address is unionpipemaker@yahoo.ca
Just reach out and let him know what you’re after.

He's also on FB.

[ChristianRo]

I agree with pancelticpiper. Just recently I lead a beginner class in dry winter with one of the students tooting a Daye half set and the other a Rogge poly practice set. I tried both sets back to back. Both had similar light reed issues that day, which could be remedied quite easily. While you COULD make music with the Daye set, I much preferred the Rogge craftsmanship. Better bag, bellows and chanter construction all over. The Daye felt VERY home depot like. Not that much fun to work with. YMMV.

[shakyhands]

I've also recently tried contacting Joe Kennedy via email and Facebook because I really like his old-school sounding Coyne-inspired flat sets, but after nearly a month I haven't heard back. So he might be a hard one to track down. More power to ya if you can make it happen!

[WhistlingGuitar]

To be honest, I haven't even tried contacting Joe Kennedy. I was going to, but I've been communicating with Andreas Rogge, since he is quite highly recommended, and I'm just waiting for him to answer a couple of questions, and then I'm planning on placing an order. Exciting times!