Budget Drones

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WhistlingGuitar
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Tell us something.: Player of high and low whistles for almost three years, novice on the flute, and a complete beginner on the guitar. Now bitten by the Uilleann pipe bug...
Location: Botswana, sometimes USA

Budget Drones

Post by WhistlingGuitar »

I see that a while ago (https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/viewt ... =6&t=27134) Pakistani drones weren't universally hated... :) Is this still the case, can anyone speak on modern models? Especially one of the more "well regarded" brands (if there is such a thing). I'd name a brand, but I'm not sure if that's allowed. It seems like if you got a half set on the cheap and just got some decent synthetic reeds for the drones you could go that route. Is that viable, or just a stupid idea? I'm fine with fiddling (or should I say piping) around a bit, rethreading connections, adding blutack, and whatnot.

I know, I know. I've seen all the warnings about these sets, no one ever regretted spending more money to get a proper set, but I've got more time to spend messing with things than money to spare at the moment. Also, most of the complaints seem to be about the chanter, which I already have a decent chanter, bellows and bag. If it's within the range of a hobbyist leather/metal/woodworker, I'd much prefer putting my skills to work rather than spending the extra grand or two. I'm also fine with a lower resale value on a Frankenset. So I'd love to hear your guys' thoughts!
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daveboling
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Re: Budget Drones

Post by daveboling »

How much time are you willing to work on a bundle of sticks to get them to sound a note, i.e. how much is your time worth?
If you do get them going, and they sound like you've tied together a hippo, a yak, and marmoset, all with gastrointestinal issues, how much more time will you fiddle with the bores and reeds to get something which doesn't set your teeth on edge?
I'm all about the joy being in the journey and not just the destination, but if many people have already trod the path, and related their warnings and war stories, how much better a player would you be if you took the time it will require to accomplish this, perhaps falling short of your desired sound, and put that time into playing something someone else has already put in the time to get right?

dave boling
I teleported home one night
With Ron and Sid and Meg.
Ron stole Meggie's heart away
And I got Sidney's leg.
-- Douglas Adams

'Bundinn er bátlaus maðu'.
JordanMcConnell
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Tell us something.: Primarily a guitar player and also play pipes.
I have a Joe Kennedy full set in D, with a B set on the way.
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Re: Budget Drones

Post by JordanMcConnell »

There are options out there for budget drones that would likely be a better route to go.
I’m an advocate for Rogge’s polyacetal stuff, just because I had one of the practise chanters while I was getting started and it was an exceptional instrument. Played as well as the wooden chanter I eventually got from him.
I would suggest reaching out and seeing if he would just sell you the drones/bag/bellows, since it seems you already have a playing chanter that you’re happy with.
Joe Kennedy has also offered budget instruments and I’m sure others do as well.
I’m not sure what you can get a set of Pakistani made drones for but if they’re dirt cheap and you know how to make reeds and fix leaks and tune drones then it seems fairly likely you’d be able to get something at least playable. keep in mind you would likely need to get a new bag and bellows as well.
If you give it a shot keep us posted! I’d be curious to see how you get on.
WhistlingGuitar
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Location: Botswana, sometimes USA

Re: Budget Drones

Post by WhistlingGuitar »

daveboling wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 7:39 am
how much is your time worth?

I'm still a student, so about two beans an hour... (To be serious, I already dedicate time each day to playing the practice set I already have. I'd be taking time away from other less important hobbies, rather than from valuable practise time.)
daveboling wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 7:39 am
If you do get them going, and they sound like you've tied together a hippo, a yak, and marmoset, all with gastrointestinal issues, how much more time will you fiddle with the bores and reeds to get something which doesn't set your teeth on edge?

Point taken, and I love your vivid descriptions. The seller I'm looking at also has a return policy, so if I realise that I'm in over my depth, I can always send it back and just end up losing the shipping costs.

I already have a decent bag and bellows in addition to the chanter, so I'm already up and playing. I'm not looking to reuse anything from the set other than the drones. I'm tempted to use it as a way to learn more about the pipes and get hands on experience. The idea of using it as a rough kit to start from and reworking things is honestly very appealing. Hopefully I'd get something working out of it, but if I couldn't, at least I'd have more experience without a big financial setback. I don't need drones right away, I can keep playing my current set for some time yet. Basically I was very tempted but not sure, so was looking for advice to sway me one way or the other. I think I have now been swayed to give it a go. I'll let you know how I get on!
Hambone
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Re: Budget Drones

Post by Hambone »

David Daye has the option to upgrade the main stock on drones made by him to a Pakistani made one that he has completely refurbished.
https://www.daye1.com/drones/delux_pakimain.jpg

Might be worth reaching out to him for advice as from what I've read he is the king of home made pipes.
WhistlingGuitar
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Location: Botswana, sometimes USA

Re: Budget Drones

Post by WhistlingGuitar »

Thanks, I'll give him a shout!
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