Chiff and Fipple Forums

Hello,

I am on the market for bellows. I have a chance to own classic looking Joe Kennedy metal hinge bellows. But also I have 2 other options in my mind (ordering new style Rogge bellows - very tempting or praised bellows by L. Thompson). My goal is one: to have very responsive and efficient bellows. Years ago I owned Dow bellows - great but too big for my needs.

So I wanted to hear PM opinion from someone out there who owns Kennedy bellows and possibly also played many other makers bellows in past to explain a bit the difference (responsiveness, efficiency and overall feel or delivery). BTW the stiffnes of metal hinge is no problem to me as I don't play regulators.

Same shape as these, but not new (photo owned by NPU) http://pipers.ie/source/media/?searchTe ... 12&sPage=5


THANK YOU.

Kennedy a fantastic maker all round but the bellows might be union style, which sometimes has no cushion and a leather lace type collar.
Not the most comfortable, but no doubt very well made.
Rogge bellows are plain and work Im sure, he has a good reputation.
Not sure about Thomson.

Thanks for reply!

uilleannpiperireland wrote:Kennedy a fantastic maker all round but the bellows might be union style

This is actualy something I prefer aesthetically, the shape, proportions and naked look of Joe's bellows.

Comfort is actualy not something I am concerned (even if I mistakenly wrote this word in my post - what I meant was comfort of opening and closing the bellows). As for wearing comfort, I am sure I can add the cushions if needed.

I am only after efficient responsive bellows, which I hope Kennedy are. Anyone else out there who owns them?

uilleannpiperireland wrote:Rogge bellows are plain and work Im sure, he has a good reputation.

I am talking about new Rogge design. Anyone tried it?

https://www.facebook.com/Pipemakingrogg ... =3&theater

Thank you.

My vote is for the Lawrence Thompson bellows. They are very comfortable and efficient.

I'll post some pictures when I get home.

I know both Rogge variants. The old-style Rogge bellows are great, but the new design is a step back and a step forward at the same time. Very straightforward, light as a feather and efficient. The outlet hose is angled differently, so the bellows attach firmer to the body and thus do never get in the way of the drones or regs. I currently own an old style Rogge bellows and am very satisfied, but were I in the market for a new one, I'd opt for the new design.

EDIT: Board member Kuddel recently had one for sale. Se Sold & Old or here (more pics): http://sackpfeifenclub.org/index.php/cl ... eann-pipes

Podge wrote:My vote is for the Lawrence Thompson bellows. They are very comfortable and efficient.I'll post some pictures when I get home.

Thanks for that. It'll be nice to see it finaly. But I heard he makes few shapes/designs: O'Briain style, Williams style ect. Which one you recommend?

ChristianRo wrote:but the new design is a step back and a step forward at the same time

Thanks Christian for your answer and link!

Can you elaborate a bit why it is also step back? PM if you prefer. Kuddel is selling so soon.

Thank you.

tanash369 wrote: Can you elaborate a bit why it is also step back? PM if you prefer. Kuddel is selling so soon.

Don't read too much into this. I was referring to the "retro" approach with less parts and no metal hinge.

Something you may wish to consider, is the position of the "nose" (or whatever it's called) of the bellows when you play. For me, the nose often contacts the mainstock while I'm regulating around. Were I to play a metal-hinged (or even wooden-edged) bellows, there would be some gouging of the mainstock when I play. Fortunately, my bellows has a leather snood-hinge (totally made that name up, too!) that softens the impact in this regard.

tommykleen wrote:(totally made that name up, too!)

I agree with this, leather nose snood-hinges are much better.