Chiff and Fipple Forums

Anyone in the know who could make a good reed for this chanter. Looks like they’re not in the business of uilleann pipes anymore. Thanks in advance.

I have never heard of MacLeod and Harris - is it possible you mean Hughes and McLeod of Downpatrick, later Strangford?
If so, no, they are not in business anymore AFAIK, Ken McLeod passed away some five years ago, I'm not sure if Robbie Hughes is still around, but if so he must be well in his seventies by now.
I think Paddy O'Hare is experienced with Hughes & McLeod chanters.
If you want to have a go at it yourself, reeds made after the instructions in Tim Britton's book "My Method" work well in these chanters, at least the older ones will probably require a tapered staple.

My first Practice Set, late 1970s, was a Hughes & McLeod.

I was a complete beginner with no-one around to teach me.

When I took it to the nearest Tionol the experienced reed people didn't have much luck with it.

The wood was turned down thin almost like a Highland chanter.

Ironically there's a Highland pipemaker named Ken McLeod.

Correct. Hughes. My bad. I tried the Reed making bit and I was no good at it. I just thought someone would have experience with it. Thanks all.

Daryl McWhirter in British Colombia plays a Robbie Hughes chanter. He's a pretty good reedmaker. You should try contact him.

Thanks so much, do you have any contact info on him? Appreciate your help. Cheers

You can find him on Facebook: Daryl J McWhirter