I have a bag and bellows…but need a chanter to play while I wait for another set to be made. Ideally a Daye chanter because those come cheap and are fairly reliable (I’m looking for something around $200 or less if possible). I live in Colorado where it’s high and dry, so it would be best if the reed came from a similar climate. Feel free to PM me if you’ve got something.
Thanks
A few years ago I met a maker who lives in Colorado. He has learned to make reeds for your climate. I’m not sure that he can sell you a chanter for $200, but he can probably help you with a stable reed, at least. I know he has a website…but I can’t recall his name, sadly.
I know that guy too, but don’t remember his name either! His photo and name was in An Píobaire not long ago; he was playing on the Piping Chair. If I can find that issue I will post his name.
Dirk Mewes
(I should have looked at my friend’s list 
)
That’s him! But I believe it’s spelled “Mewes”. Here is a link to his blog:
Hi. His name is Dirk Mewes, not Dirk Mewis. You can contact him on Facebook. He also lives in Colorado and does really great custom work. Kind of doubt he will be able to help you out for $200 though.
https://www.facebook.com/dirk.mewes1
There is a used David Daye D COncert Penny Chanter with a dry-climate reed available for sale in Albuquerque. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that I kind of doubt it would go for $200. Again, on Facebook, contact Matthew Ezzard. The chanter is in excellent condition, as is the reed (though it is a bit hard and needs some scraping). It is David Dayes “Dry Climate” reed, which will work well in Colorado. I played this chanter within the last month.
Good to know. I contacted both Ezzard and Mewes on Facebook both without reply as of yet. I’ll keep trying I suppose.
Hi - I just nudged Matthew (Ezzard) to check his Facebook PM’s. Hopefully he will get back to you.
If you’re not friends on Facebook, they go to the “Other” folder. Most people don’t notice that one.
You might try writing on their walls.
Found a nice functional Hamon chanter, so it looks like I’m set. (Though probably still be interested in a Daye chanter though if you’ve got it). I’ll definitely keep Mr. Mewes in mind for future reference.