I’m mostly a flute player, more baroque than 8-key, and have become quite interested in some of the baroque bagpipes. I love how that music just lets the drones hang out in the background while the music modulates through different keys… wild! I’m in New York City, and I don’t image there are any specialists here, but maybe there are some folks who are interested? I have no experience with piping at all, but I know that in the 18th century musicians often played multiple related winds, so it doesn’t have to seem so unusual.
I have looked around to try to buy an instrument, and only one maker (Paul Beekhuizen) seems to have a website. And someone on facebook said he doesn’t make them anymore. So I thought I’d mention this here, in case anyone knows anyone with a set for sale (modern or even antique). Does anybody know anything about other makers or places to look or inquire?
Here’s a musette playing baroque, though it looks like a different and larger variety.
Try Bob Dunsires bagpipe forum, there is a specific section for other than highland bagpipes. I have seen it mentioned there. Good luck in your search.
Check with Casey Burns, the flutemaker. He has in the past done some work with musette de cour, as well as gaitas. He may have gone on to other things, but might give you a good steer.
You might also check in with Sean Folsom through this web site (scroll to the bottom for an email address). He plays a vast array of pipes and may have some leads on a musette.
Chris Bayley from Surrey, UK makes traditional Musettes de Cour. He had two or three sets under construction when I was last in his workshop. He is a member of this forum so you could PM him or email him at: christopher.bayley@ntlworld.com
Are there any photo’s or sound samples of his instruments? Im very interested in anything concerning musette.
Also, anybody who wants to sell an historic musette (untouched, if possible) can contact me. /b
Hi peeps, in case anyone here is still looking for more information about musette makers, take a look here: https://musettesociety.com, and you can find a lot of pictures and some samples on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Atelier-De-Bourdonnerie-101880691767871.
For the last 8 years I’ve been trained by Remy Dubois, the best musette maker since the 18th century. Since 2020 I’m working as an independent musette maker myself, with clients in New York, Melbourne, Paris and London. If you want more information about these lovely instruments, just ask. Cheers,
/b