Hi,
I’d like any thoughts upon this
I’m considering purchase, but would like the benefit of wiser heads.
Thanks,
Paragon.
I am not familiar with the maker.. Also it seems to me like it’s a leftie-set judging by the drone stock/cup.
Erm thats a great start…Mr Blackwood…not only are ye not familiar with the maker but ye seem tae be unfamiliar with distinguishing yoor right frae yoor left 
The set is for a right handed player.Unless ye want tae play the set upside doon like Mr Blackwood.
Good luck on yoor trail fer wisdom I suspect ye have gone up a dead end with this tho if the 1st reply is anything tae go by…
Uilliam
You’re right, i am wrong.. What can i say except i’d better wipe me glasses and finish the first jug of coffee before attempting to add anything worth noting (except for stupidity) 
Although it is true that i haven’t heard of the maker..
Ian McKenzie is well respected and liked in Oz. Ofcourse you’ll want to know if the set is reeded and playing before you buy it. At the price you may well go straight to the maker and get one made for you. Ian is somewhere in the Blue Mountains.
I did some research after pulling my foot out of my mouth, and indeed i have heard SIMACK mentioned before.
Thanks for the replies so far - I must admit - somewhat variable in coherence.
More to the point, I was wondering if the set really is MacKenzie as advertised, and if the price asked for seemed reasonable. I have queried this to Ian but not yet received a reply, and may not get one from him in time.
My situation is this - I have a full-set on order that will be at least a year away, maybe two. Do I pursue this practice set in the interim and sell when the full set is done, or just wait? Will the value hold up or crash? Help me, Obi-Wan, you’re my only hope!
Cheers,
Paragon.
Well i wouldn’t want to be without an instrument for a year +, that’s for sure, so if you don’t really need the money now i’d buy it.
I can’t see how you should get less money for it a year from now judging by prize and availability in the 17 years i have been “in the business”
Since you asked for ANY thoughts: As a beginner you should by all means buy your practise set locally. Go for it!
Thanks for the replies so far - I must admit - somewhat variable in coherence.
Yep, thats what to expect on this forum as in my experience of asking questions you always get those with a hidden agenda who invariably have themselves to blame replying in a way to mislead you into thinking everything is ther makers fault. They never say what he (or her - are there any women makers ?) did to try to help them
When I got my new half set some years ago I followed the makers advice and went to the local pipers club where the set was pronounced an excellent one, well in tune and nicely set up by the main tutor there.
Another pipemaker was there who tried it and then stated that it was very pretty but his sets were far superior as he had been trianed by a well known pipemaker in Ireland and I should take it back for a refund and order one of his (no the one who must not be named is not involved in this in any way 
)
Moral is don’t believe everything you are told becase at the very best it will only be half the story
I would be to go for it as at least you will be playing by the time you get the full set and as if it is local you should be able to try before you buy. See it comes with ther NPU DVD’'s another bonus
Hope this helps
John
I had two MacKenzie D chanters.
Awesome in both quality and playability.
Ian’s reeds are top notch as well.
I love the quirkyness that is evident in some of the posts here - to borrow a phrase, uilleann pipers march to the beat of a different drum. 
Thanks,
Paragon.
I would also like to put in a good word for Ian, Sue, and their work. They are lovely people who have helped me countless times over the years I have been playing pipes. Ian knows so much about pipes and pipemaking and the workmanship is top notch. I’m lucky they are only an hours drive away from me!
Bid won, now I just have to hope that everything that is supposed to happen does happen. Will let you all know when I receive it.
Now I just have to tell Mrs. Paragon. 
Thats a very polite way o putting it. 
Don’t quite know where the “hidden agenda” (cue Jaws Music) is on this particular thread 
The not so very hidden agenda o Johns apparent bitterness is quite apparent tho.I think it is very sad that this should creep into a very innocent thread.
Peace Tranquility Happiness Joyfullness Happy 4th july etc etc etc to ye all.
PS Enjoy yoor journey wi yoor new set and if ye take this forum seriously then ye are well on the road to madness.
Uilliam
The set arrived this morning - very happy! 
I expect I’ll be belting out tunes by this afternoon, tonight at the very latest. 
Thanks for your advice - stay tuned for more.
Paragon.