Tidy Cottage Smallpipes

Lexxicos · Post by **Lexxicos** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 10:43 am

Hey guys,

I've got a set of C Smallpipes coming in March via EJ Jones at Tidy Cottage -

*Cough*http://www.piperjones.com/tidycottagesmallpipes.html*Cough*

*Gurgle*http://youtube.com/watch?v=nkuJUXZOVQQ*Gurgle*

- and I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with these pipes, and what I can or should expect from a set of Smallpipes. These ones in particular look to be of high quality, and at a pretty reasonable price, considering the other Smallpipes out there.

Wanderer · Post by **Wanderer** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 10:45 am

I don't know anything about EJ's pipes, but I know hiim personally and can vouch for the guy's character. EJ's a good guy.

ceadach · Post by **ceadach** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 10:47 pm

Drool,.. smack..., lick lips... drool...

Those are some darn pretty smallpipes!!! Nice clip on YouTube too. I rather suspect you made a good investment.

Lexxicos · Post by **Lexxicos** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 11:15 pm

An even better one than it seems! I contacted him in mid-December, and ordered some Pipes from him at the $1050 mark for a full set (Not the deluxe). As it turns out, he changed his prices January 1st, saving me $250.

And yes, they are very beautiful. I just hope I can do them musical justice. I'm working on quite a bit of jigs, in shameless anticipation. My Pipe teacher is probably cringing that I'm somewhat neglecting my competition march, as well as the band's competition set.

gasper · Post by **gasper** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:12 am

Hi Lexxicos,

I have a A/D combo set of EJ's pipes and love them. I'd highly recommend them to anyone looking at a set of smallpipes. They certainly have a different characteristic tone (color?) than a set of Hamish's or Nigel's. Not worse, just different.

I'm having a few reed issues right now, but between the highland pipes and just starting on the uilleann pipes, I don't have the time to f-about w/ the baritone and now alto reed...

so is life..

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Though, I suggest you check on the dunsire site first. There are many more experienced smallpipers than me there.

Best of luck w/ the new set

John

jdevereux · Post by **jdevereux** » Sun Jan 07, 2007 10:03 am

I've spent quite a lot of time hanging out in EJ's shop, and not only is he one of the best players/makers of Scottish smallpipes around, he's also a fantastic flautist and uilleann piper, and a truly great guy. EJ has been a major force in helping me get going making my own pipes (the lathe I use actually belongs to him), and has been incredibly generous in sharing any information or skills he has. His pipes are the nicest sounding smallpipes I've ever run across (mind you though, I'm an uilleann piper), and his borderpipe chanters blow everything else out of the water (IMO). To anyone looking for a top quality set of smallpipes, I would urge you to get in contact with EJ Jones.

-Jack Devereux

chanterdan · Post by **chanterdan** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 3:44 pm

i have e-mailed him,and asked about his border chanters,but no answer, must still be in development?????

gasper · Post by **gasper** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 9:20 am

Last time I talked to EJ he had developed a nice prototype of the border chanter, but was still working on drones. My hunch is that he's still working on the design, but I haven't spoken with him in a while.

John

AaronMalcomb · Post by **AaronMalcomb** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 2:07 pm

I had talked to EJ about buying a border chanter from him early last autumn but other obligations arose. I'm sure drones are not far behind in design.

What style of reed does he have in his smallpipe drones? What about the bag?

gasper · Post by **gasper** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 2:42 pm

He uses all cane reeds, and makes his own bags. Though I'm curious to try Ezee's (or another synthetic) in his pipes because the dry winter is playing hell with all of my pipes right now.

He actually has two styles of bags: one lightweight / fairly thin (his standard bag) and one heavy. I haven't tried the latter, but his standard bag is a maybe a little light for my taste. To each their own though.

The only other *slight* complaint I have is with the cut of the bag. I feel like it brings the top hand in a bit too close, but again it's just a personal preference thing.

John

ps: A friend told me a few weeks ago that EJ had just moved not too long ago. I'd say any delay in response might be due to the move (or maybe a back log of orders).

Lexxicos · Post by **Lexxicos** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 6:18 pm

His lathe also apparently broke, so he had to send it to California to be repaired, hence my 2 week delay until April.