Leather or Alternative

[Thorpe]

When buying a set of pipes does the material of the bag matter as long as it doesnt leak etc? As for ethical reasons i would prefer a non-leather bag.

Ta

Dan

[Tony]

I've heard some rubber bags are too supple and require getting used to. The feel is improved somewhat with a velvet cover.
I recall seeing DIY (do it yourself) plans on the internet that used a heavy vinyl product, more like the Naugahyde brand material used in auto seat covers.
Do you plan on making your own bag?

[nicopiper]

I made a vinyl bag for my set for 40 euros...
Why buy an expensive leather bg (150 euros) when you can make it yourself!!
It is very easy

[Uilliam]

Dan'vinyl has a huge advantage over leather as you don't have to season it plus the animals prefer it
Slan go foill
Liam

[Paul]

Tiarnan O Duinnchin plays his Williams set with a bag made from an old innertube. It looks pretty cool, and he says it works great.

[MacEachain]

Hi Thorpe,
for ethical reasons I'd prefer to use a natural product, given a choice. The Petro-Chemical industry is probably doing more harm to wildlife anyway. Witness yet another tanker disaster. I would'nt nessecarily condone the slaughter of animals for their skin alone but as it's probably the by-product of the food industry it's better to use it than waste it. That said, if you're uncomfortable with the idea of using leather then vinyl would seem to be a pretty good alternative.

Cheers, Mac

[Thorpe]

Wasnt intending on making my own bag but would be willing to give it a go if u say it isnt that difficult.

Mac - My ethical reasons are not environmental but because of my lifelong belief that animals should not be killed at all ever period.

Ta

Dan

[MacEachain]

Thorpe,
No problem, If you're interested in making your own check out the thread "Leather Uillean pipebag/bellows questions"
Also sent you a private message.

Cheers, Mac