I’ve researched some options for a beginner. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the David Dayes set, which seems to be expandable (drones later on ), which I guess would be great after I learn how to handle the practice set. And I’ve looked at the Patrick Sky set he has on his site for $600, which he says is not intended to have drones or regulators. That set seems has a big appeal for the price and the fact that the chanter is wood, but it’s a little discouraging that you can’t add on to it. So for under $1000, what other options for a complete beginner are there? Should I even worry about the “add on” idea at all? I’ve been playing flute and whistle for years, so the instrument will be new to me but not the music. Any advice would be appreciated. Brian
Pat Sky’s is as upgradeable as a David Daye set.
The set I was looking at was the “budget” set. It says that it it’s not upgradeable. Is there a still a way to do that?
Jump on the used Mackenzie half set for $1,200.
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=29280&sid=c330ab39a38d4215a6f900b2cbcb4afe
You can sell it for what you paid for… should you not want to stick with pipes.
I’ve never been clear what non-upgradeable really means.
If a set has a bag, then it’s upgradeable, simply by tying in a mainstock with some drones.
Aren’t the budget chanters supposed to play/sound within the realm of “normal” chanters, only plainer (Sky) or made with cheaper materials & methods (Daye, Rogge, Murray)? So what’s the problem?
Would the maker just plain refuse to accept an order for a stock + drones (and/or regs) sometime down the road? If so, there’s always the option of getting the body of a set from another maker. Many (most?) makers would be happy enough to take a separate order for just a stock + drones.
Be seeing you.
A keyless chanter with lugs can be upgraded and keys fitted. A ‘stick’ cannot. Sure you can probably add pin mounts, but it’s intent is to get a low initial cost ‘wooden’ chanter with the same bore and sound as a more expensive instrument.
IMHO? Buy a Howard.
Not under $1000 but you get quality and stability from day one.
It’ll save you a lot of heartache and frustration in the long run and you’ll get a briliant sound.
Whatever keys you decide you want can be added later. As can drones and regs.
Plus Brian will do all he can to help you get the best out of your instrument as well as giving incomparable support when you start making your own reeds.
Two words: Chris Dixon
Website: www.cjdixon.com
Regarding upgrades, there are two things to consider. First is drones. The second is chanter keys.
As is mentioned above, adding drones should not be a problem - you’ll have to cut the bag and tie on the drone stock cup (or get a pipemaker to do it). The main issue is whether the drones will blend well with your chanter - not too loud so as to drown out the chanter. I’ve no experience of Pat Sky’s budget set but it would be worth emailing him to find out why he says the budget set can’t be added to.
Chanter keys allow you to play a few additional notes (F’, G#‘, Bb’ and C’). Many pipers never need keys. Some because they don’t play those particular notes. Others are able to cross-finger those notes. In general, keys can only be added if there are blocks on the chanter. There are exceptions to this, such as Howard chanters. Chris Dixon’s chanters don’t currently have pin block and to the best of my knowledge aren’t designed to have keys added. I think (but am not certain) that the same goes for Pat Sky’s budget chanter and Daye’s penny chanter.
Tony do you or anyone else know Brian?
To me 1200$ sounds a little too good to be true, and location “mobile Alabama” could be a bit risky if you dont live close and can check out the set first.
Tempted though.
/MarcusR
I’d say get a good a set straight away. I have a Howard and a penny chanter, and know which I’d rather try to learn on. I bought the penny chanter as a travelling chanter, and I haven’t been able to get it in tune with any of the three reeds DD sent me. The Howard played straight out of the box.
Everyone has their own opinions on who is a good maker, but I’d avoid budget sets altogether and get yourself something good, it may make all the difference as learning the pipes is hard enough with good kit.
Hey Guys,
From reading your posts I perhaps might change my mind about upgrading my “budget” set. The fact is a set of drones and even regulators could easily be added to my budget set. I think is was a matter of taste. If it was me, and I was planning on later adding drones/regs, I would like the best chanter and bellows complete with keys/ ivoriod trim, so that the set would look good.
I realize also that there is a matter of funds and that was the original idea for the “budget” set.
As to my "budget chanter’ I use the same reamers, hole placement and materials as I do on my best chanter. The only difference is the lack of keys, posts, or decoration and the amount of labor involved. This chanter is of medium bore and plays and sounds just as well.
All the best,
Pat Sky
Well, my comment could mean that, or you could take it the other way and realize that David Daye has yet to have a vailable drones.
I agree and on his site he says eventually he will have Full Sets so that makes tem completly upgradeable in that aspect and I am sure he will evntually have Chanter Keys.
Thanks you guys and Pat for adding to this thread. Brian
I’m a complete beginner and I’ve just bought a used Dave Daye practice set. I’ve just moved house and haven’t had much time to play, but I find it very responsive, and I’m getting uilleann pipe type sounds out of it. I was initially put off by the idea of a chanter made out of synthetic material, but the Daye set really does seem to be good for a beginner. Drones are available, and a Daye half set is probably the most affordable, playable half set. The chanter certainly isn’t pretty, but it plays and the whole thing including leather bag and extras cost me less than $500. I would consider upgrading to a half set with Daye’s drones. A Cnat key can be added.
If money isn’t really an issue, then by all means buy something $1000 up from a good maker. If you don’t, and can’t save up for a more expensive set (which is my situation) then the Daye set is a genuinely playable and affordable introduction to the pipes.
That’s great to hear, smithand. The sound is the most important thing after all, and if it sounds like uilleann pipes should and you can play them relatively easily you’ve got a great deal, I think.
And as we all know (some of us from firsthand experience, although thankfully not me) spending $1000 or more doesn’t always guarantee that playable/in tune introduction to piping. 
Very affordable starter set for someone to test the waters and have a great practise set.
Another good option for is Nick Whitmer (www.lightlink.com/nwhitmer). Nick’s sets are very well made and can be upgraded up to 3/4 sets. He’s currently working on a design for bass regulators so hopefully in the not-too-distant-future he’ll be making full sets. His lead time is very good (less than 6 months) and his prices are competitive.
So for under $1000, what other options for a complete beginner are there
Dave Biosvert will make a fine practise set for $1000.
The thing is that you can put drones on to a Pat Sky or David Daye set, making sure that the bag is of strong enough quality to hold a stock. It’s when you go to get regulators that you may find that you’ll want to get a brand new full set from someone. Or at least you’ll probably get new chanter from the same person that will make the regulators.
I know its long term thinking but if you are thinking about drones and regulators in the future you may as well pick a maker that will make the whole lot for you.
It’s not fun balancing a set with differen’t parts made by differen’t makers!!
i know all about it!!!
Tommy
I agree, a set made by one maker is the best option IMHO… among a few other things, your pipemaker will have a working understanding of how your pipes work (or come apart) should they need repair or adjusting where, as I understand it, a lot of makers just as soon not work on another’s handiwork.