People, I wont mention names as moderaters get angry, plus we should respect house rules.
I felt I should post after a recent meeting of a few pipers in Perth WA. Another new member to our group has been stung. Please before buying pipes ask around. There is a small community of pipers around WA and we would gladly give our advice about a few certain pitfalls to put it politically correct.
Problems on pipes I’m refering to, goose neck falling of chanter top, tenor drone cracking in half length ways, poor reads and plenty other of complaints. This poor chap has been trying to track down maker to no avail.
I regret that I cannot post the name of above maker, but I hope this post will be taken in the right light, and that is a warning to any new pipers.
For the record this post does not refer to Simac or Jefferies.
Rather than placing vague warnings the posting policy clearly states you can post an assesment with reasons and description of the faults found. I think a firtst hand experience would be preferable to a ‘someone has this happen’.
I hate to say this, but a spell check and a quick rewrite would give a little more credibility to your warning.
I would not object to someone using a pipemaker’s name as long as it is an honest and fair assessment.
A post like this serves only to create rumours, which could damage the reputation of other makers.
Did not intend to cause ill feeling. Once again, Perth based potential pipers please look around and ask questions before taking the leap. You are always welcome to sit in when we get together. There are few differnt makers sets so you can get a look see at some of whats available.
Sorry that you your friends got burnt. Not nice as this gives the good makers in Australia a bad face (e.g. Ian Mackenzie and Adrian Jeffries). I think this maker in the past has been mentioned a few times on this board (and others). I will not be making any more comments as that would be against the rules. It was recommended by both Jefferies and Mackenzie that I avoide the maker in question.
Does anybody have any sets that we could offer our friends at a good price (or a donation to the Perth Pipers Club [David Quinn any comments]).
I think there is a misunderstanding of the rules-- It’s bad form to say “X is a shite pipemaker.” But statements of fact are OK, e.g. “When my new pipes from X arrived, the windcap was bent and the tenor drone was cracked. I have been unable to contact him to resolve the situation.”
You can name names, as long as you stick to objective facts.
If you search the message archives, I’m certain you’ll find the name of this “infamous australian pipemaker” listed. Be sure to research your pipemaker before you buy in any country. Talk to people, post to the C&F website asking about a maker. Go with a pipemaker that has a good reputation. It doesn’t neccesarily mean they will be expensive.
I’m assuming they’re talking about Justin Pickford.
I would be much more inclined to believe these allegations if a straight-forward, polite, and detailed post was made.
This should obviously follow the posting guidelines, so no insults, but nice detailed lists of faults/broken parts, etc, would be great.
For instance:
I have a chanter made by McHarg (don’t know which). It looks nice, but is sharp in the second octave. I’ve tried a few things, but it is still definitely sharp.
As these are not my pipes, I’ll see if yer man will post some pics, maybe share his experience, and yes it is “infamous” maker.
L42B thanks for the putting round the virtual colletion plate!! We have a few spare chanters that Geoff left behind before he up sticks.
I might as well take this moment to say to any pipers planning a holiday to the west, give me a hoy, as it is always good to meet fellow lunatics, or rather piers.
