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Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2017 1:32 pm
by cgreene789
Looking to buy a half set of uilleann pipes for my father as a Christmas gift. I believe I would be interested in purchasing a set in D as that is what I've read is the more common key these days. Does anyone have a recommendation as to what manufacturer would be a good mid-range for a beginner to be able to "grow into"? I want it to be high enough quality that learning to play will be very enjoyable and he won't need to upgrade his kit once he's familiar with playing. Thanks very much for any assistance here.
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2017 2:21 pm
by dyersituations
With uilleann pipes there isn't really a concept of manufacturer, as pipes come from individual makers. And pretty much any quality set of pipes is appropriate for any skill level. Unless you can find a used set, chances are you won't be getting a set by Christmas. Most makers have a 3 month to years long waiting time, especially for 1/2, 3/4, or full sets.
Where are you located? That will help us recommend makers, since it's best to find a maker close by, especially in the beginning. There are plenty of issues that can occur with reeds and whatnot, and finding a set made closer by will not only mean a closer contact for assistance, but the reeds will be more likely to work without tweaking.
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2017 6:24 pm
by cgreene789
Thanks for a quick reply Dyer! I live in West Virginia, USA, and am looking for a quality used set most likely.
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2017 6:28 pm
by cgreene789
Currently watching an auction on eBay for a set of Alan Ginsberg in D that look quite nice, but wanted to come on here and get opinions on makers and see if his name came up
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:09 am
by chaos97
The website UilleannObsession has a long list of various used sets for sale in it's classifieds section.
http://www.uilleannobsession.com/classifieds.html
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 12:30 pm
by dyersituations
Before bidding on that Ginsberg set, ask the seller about the wood types. If the set is made from blackwood or another rosewood, the seller would need an export permit, and you might need an import permit. Those woods are on CITES protected as of this year.
The sets wouldn't arrive in time, but you could consider talking with Pat Sky, Nick Whitmer, and Bruce Childress. They are all located on that side of the country and have reasonably priced sets.
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 1:22 pm
by BigDavy
I would check that the seller will ship to the US, America is not on the list of countries that he will post to.
If not then there are Daye and Gallagher practice sets on eBay US.
David
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:30 pm
by cgreene789
I just checked, and this seller does ship to the United States (Phew! I hadn't thought of that, so thanks for that suggestion) and I am currently checking as to the wood variety.
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 4:21 am
by Steampacket
As mentioned, there are half and practice sets here:
http://www.uilleannobsession.com/classifieds.html
No. 8 a Seth Gallagher practice set could be worth buying. Easy to add drones and regulators after, and Seth is in the U.S.
No. 24 a Martin Preshaw half set
No. 63 Martin Donohoe half set
No. 67. Bruce Childress half set
No. 74 Brian Bigly practice set
Just a selection, there are others
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 10:18 am
by PJ
Seth is no longer making pipes.
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 10:30 am
by Mr.Gumby
Seth is no longer making pipes.
I don't think Pat Sky is either. Elsewhere, a few weeks ago, I saw a campaign trying to raise funds to cover his health insurance costs. See
here
[edit] Hmm. I seem to be unable to properly hot link the site although I can get to the page by copying the link and pasting it into the addressbar and take away the /url bit at the end. Here's the summing up from it though:
The Story
Patrick was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease on July 14 of this year. At first he felt relief, finding out that his deep depression, muscular weakness and stiffness, and slight tremor were not "all in his head." Over this past summer and early fall, we have sought answers about his future. He will see a specialist in Asheville this month, and in March he will see a team of doctors at one of the National Parkinson's Association Centers for Excellence through Duke Hospital. Our biggest worry is maintaining our expensive secondary health insurance policy. If we did not have it, we'd be thousands in debt from Pat's heart stent surgery in late 2015. We live on fixed income; more than 30% of it goes to insurance and out-of-pocket drug deductibles. In the ten years we have been retired, we have depended on music-related income to fill in the gap between income and expense. That income is not possible now. We need the gift of time to make sense of the changes that Parkinson's has brought to our lives, without fear of losing insurance and the resulting financial stress. For now, Parkinson's related drug therapies are down the road. Pat says he would like to regain the strength in his fingers to play music again. Only time will tell if medicine and therapies will help him achieve that goal.
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 12:19 pm
by Steampacket
Didn't know that Seth had stopped making pipes. Does he still make flutes? Sorry to hear that Pat Sky is ill with Parkinson's disease. I've seen on Uilleann obsession that Pat's Leo Rowsome set is up for sale. Has anyone heard the set, is the chanter sharp of A=440?
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 2:24 pm
by PJ
I understand that the Rowsome set sold a while ago.
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:39 pm
by An Draighean
PJ wrote:I understand that the Rowsome set sold a while ago.
Yes, four or five years ago. Pat told me himself (in an email).
Re: Need recommendations for a half set as a gift
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 6:17 pm
by cgreene789
Yes, the Seth Gallagher pipes sold a while back too. I contacted the gentleman formerly in their possession and he said that he's tried to try the post removed since the sale but that it's removal has been denied. Shame too, because that was the set I was keen on getting my dad. Seemed really good quality at a price I could afford.
Any other leads on practice sets or half sets around $1500-1750 is extremely appreciated. I'm fumbling around in the dark, as this whole world of uilleann pipes is new (but very pleasantly melodic) to me.