Chiff and Fipple Forums

Hello - the maker of your pipes is Brian Gumm (of Ashington). The age of the set seems about right given the yellowing of the mounts (which are an ivory substitute called 'Catalin'). Brian was not 'professional' in the sense of working fulltime as a maker but I've seen a fair few of his sets around....

is the technique easier on the thumb joint with the NSP than with the UPs? I have developed a tricky bit of arthritis affecting my UP playing but I do not want to give up on piping altogether. I would say almost certainly not. NSP are not very forgiving of arthritic thumbs - and bad posture or hand...

Morning Richard - it's a common question with no exact answer. I recently created this little chart to help: http://milecastle27.co.uk/rob/2016/08/choosing-your-nsp-pitch-f-g-or-d/ (You've just reached the "Free(ish) Choice" step ...) You're correct on the range G chanter - it will give yo...

Congratulations on your new set of pipes - you are in a fortunate position with your seller. For reference; my experience of these rubberised bags is that they do have a limited lifespan (and I've seen 10+). The coating goes brittle and then crumbles after ~20 years - this is normal and to be expect...

What is leaking (Chanter keys, bags, bellows, drones)? Who made your pipes and how old are they? And finally whereabouts are you? (If you're in North America, Mike would certainly have been the first point of call) You might also get more coverage here: http://www.northumbrianpipers.org.uk/pipersfor...