I’ve been checking out a few websites recently, looking at various styles of chanter. I’m toying with the idea of getting myself a flat chanter, (B or Bb). Once I have the money, of course,
Going on aesthetics alone, I have to say that David Boisvert’s chanters really catch the eye. I’ve always been fairly consistent with my taste in pipes, preferring brass and blackwood, but some of the red wood (cocobolo?) that DB uses, with boxwood mounts and brass really looks nice.
I know that DB visits this site from time to time so I just wanted to say, keep up the good work!!
David has been developing an allergy to cocobolo so he has taken a break from using it. He is working on improving his ventilation to reduce the problem. He has some back orders in cocobolo that he has to finish.
I suggested that he might try working with mopane, a similar looking wood.
I think he has two “D” chanters already made in cocobolo. But as far as “B”, I am not sure.
I’ve already got one D chanter and another on order. But I’m getting notions about myself and would love to get a nice flat chanter. So far, I’ve only played a Gallagher B, and that was really nice. Tomorrow, I’ll get a look at, and hopefully get to play, a Whitmer C chanter. I’ve also been listening to a lot of flat set recordings lately and so far, the lower the better. Bb produces a tone that seems to harmonize with my medulla oblongata to produce some very pleasant endorphins.
Dave does and has made B sets, though I haven’t heard or seen one yet. If they are of the same quality of craftsmanship that my D chanter is (… and I am 100% certain that they are), then you’ll have a great chanter!
I’m feeling a little guilty, as my regs and new drones are among the cocobolo projects Dave is finishing up…
One other thing I have noted is the price. DB’s chanters are noticably less expensive. Approx. $1,200 for D chanter with wooden windcap, stop valve and 4 keys. That’s between $250 and $400 cheaper than most other makers who post their prices on the net. Not to be sneezed at.
..heh..UNLESS it’s being made from cocobolo…mna, there’s some serious sneezing going on there.
Indeed Douglas, I HAVE been working on upgrading my vent system…but everything costs money and TIME.
PJ, thank you very kindly for the gracious words. It seems so very much easier to make negative comments than positive ones. And believe me, I live on that feedback.
Currently the only flat pitch chanter I am making is a Cnat. I won’t be able to offer B chanters for some time as the research and modification process will take me some time until I am happy (well..happy enough!).
Well…I apoligize for my long abscense (or should I be apologizing for my ultimate return!!!) But the family and I spent a few weeks in Tennessee (just outside Nashville). Upon our return I was “obligated” to spend some quality time with my Physician, then my silly wife managed to sprain her ankle in a POTHOLE of all things… :roll: …SO! Needless to say, I am JUST yesterday getting back into the shop…
Anyways..glad to be back!
God Bless,
David
p.s. PJ..if you like, I could raise my prices subtstantially…? …naw…I feel that they are fair. Although my whistle prices are going to have to go up…maybe my regs as well…
Although I’ve not yet heard (live) any of the pipes you make, they certainly look great. I look forward to hearing them and perhaps playing them sometime in the future. In the meantime, keep making them.
…naw…I feel that they are fair. Although my whistle prices are going to have to go up…maybe my regs as well…
