Newbie Question Pipemaker Contact

Pipeman · Post by **Pipeman** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 6:48 am

Hi,

I have been reading this board for a few months, before deciding to register today.

I am wishing to contact some UK pipe makers to ask about prices, waiting lists etc before purchasing a set of pipes.

I have been interested in Davy Stephensons website, however I am having problems contacting him. Although his website seems to be updated regularly I have been unable to contact him by either telephone or email.

Does anyone know if he still is in business? Everytime I call and get an answer, I am told that he is not available, and he will get back to me, but he never returns my telephone calls!

How do I go about contacting him?

Can any of his Customers who us this site, give me a review as to how his pipes play, and if he is still in business?? I would appreciate candid opinions by means of Private Messages if possible.

Thanks,

Mark Fergusson

AlanB · Post by **AlanB** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 10:34 am

I don't know what Davys up to lately, but I recently reeded up one of his Concert Pitch chanters. I will say that it was a pleasant shtick, in tune and pitch, a strong and typical Pete Hunter sound to it (Davy learned from Pete I understand). I wasn't too sure about the wood, but generally a working and playable instrument.

Alan

Pipeman · Post by **Pipeman** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 10:47 am

Hi AlanB,

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I have had great reports regarding Davy's pipes which is confirmed by your own comments.

Just seems he is difficult to contact at the present time, I have even been told he has given up making Uilleann Pipes due to bankruptcy proceedings.

I guess with what is undoubtedly a specialist market, there is only so much room for pipemakers, and those who do deliver a service have to work hard to survive.

I think due to his unavailability, I will look elsewhere for a set of pipes, as I dont fancy forking out money to a maker who is going to abandon his customers, which to my mind seems to be the case with this maker.

Either you make pipes and support your product or get out of the business, he probably realises this and is doing the honourable to pipers everywhere thing by bowing out, and letting us approach more reliable makers!.

What a stupid waste of talent!!

From what I hear Davy was trying to fill the gap left when Peter Hunter stopped making pipes, it appears he has abused this chance by letting his customers (both actual & potential) down. Perhaps a more responsible pipemaker should have been chosen to fill this niche. Indeed I am surprised that the great Mr Hunter allows his name to be associated with an unreliable pipe maker!!

Thanks for your useful recommendations nontheless.

Mark.

Uilliam · Post by **Uilliam** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 11:33 am

Wooahhh!! hold up a minute pipeman Davys problems certainly won't be helped by diatribes will they?
There is a list of pipemakers from na piabaire uilleann in Dublin check their website www.pipers.ie/en/default.lasso
Slan go foill
Uilliam
ps welcome to the madhouse

Pipeman · Post by **Pipeman** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 11:43 am

Hi ,

Diatribe = A bitter, abusive denunciation

Sorry I think you want to re-read my post.

I am simply mentioning my observations and experiences with a certain Pipemaker.

I do not think my post was either bitter or abusive. Certainly was not meant to appear as such!!

If someone wants to sell me an expensive instrument for good money he had better have a good reputation, that's all I am trying to say.

Clearly Mr Stephenson's profile waxes and wanes like the moon. Here on one day and gone the next!!

"I have had great reports regarding Davy's pipes" How do you consider this staement bitter and abusive my friend?

Mark

Uilliam · Post by **Uilliam** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 11:55 am

Well Mark ye seem to be getting off to a good start...by the way I take it thats a thanks for me bothering to give ye the pipemakers website at na piobaire uilleann.
Slan Agut
Uilliam

Pipeman · Post by **Pipeman** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 12:09 pm

Hi Uilliam,

Yes thanks for providing the URL.

Sorry if you have taken offence at a simple comment regarding a problem I have had with contacting a maker.

I was of the understanding that this forum was designed to help people with the Uilleann Pipes. I also thought that that would include giving and receiving information on the quality and availability of Pipemakers products.

I simply have stated that a Pipe maker had continually ignored my appraches to him in order to ascertain some information about his products.

I have stated thqat this pipemaker has not had the courtesy to reply to my calls. Do you have a problem with this?

I certainly object to you referring to my post as bitter and abusive!! If you have an affiliation with Mr Stephenson please don't take it out on me if I criticise his service. (Note I have made compliments about his pipes!!)

Is that a chip in your shoulder, or are you just happy to see me?

PUGNACIOUS=Combative in nature; belligerent.

Thanks.

djm · Post by **djm** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 12:41 pm

Hey! I like this guy! Welcome to Nits&Whiffles, Pipeman!

djm

kilundo · Post by **kilundo** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 12:59 pm

Pipeman wrote: PUGNACIOUS=Combative in nature; belligerent.

Probably the best discription of your post. Tell us how you feel, let it all out then. Or then again hold it up and play it out in your new pipes. One way or another it should be fun.

Uilliam · Post by **Uilliam** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 1:04 pm

Pipeman wrote:
I dont fancy forking out money to a maker who is going to abandon his customers, which to my mind seems to be the case with this maker.

Either you make pipes and support your product or get out of the business, he probably realises this and is doing the honourable to pipers everywhere thing by bowing out, and letting us approach more reliable makers!.

What a stupid waste of talent!!

From what I hear Davy was trying to fill the gap left when Peter Hunter stopped making pipes, it appears he has abused this chance by letting his customers (both actual & potential) down. Perhaps a more responsible pipemaker should have been chosen to fill this niche. Indeed I am surprised that the great Mr Hunter allows his name to be associated with an unreliable pipe maker!!

Mark.

Look here" Mark" ??? the above quotes are yours not mine.I have no connection whatsoever with Davey Stephenson or his pipes.I don't have a chip as ye put it on my shoulder and I personally couldnae give a toss where ye purchase your pipes, but ye seem to be of a dual personality if the above post is anything to go by........???
Uilliam

fancypiper · Post by **fancypiper** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 1:35 pm

I understand that he has been having health troubles. See this thread.

Pipeman · Post by **Pipeman** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 2:19 pm

Thanks a lot for the info Fancypiper. This probably explains the situation. Sorry to hear he has health problems which have had an effect on his business. However if he had any priniciples if this is the case he should stop advertising and taking orders for his products which he knows he cannot supply.

Too sick to work but still strong enough to hold his hand up for money.....what a joke!

Thanks!

fancypiper · Post by **fancypiper** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 2:31 pm

Self employment can be great as long as you have good health and a business profitable enough to pay for disability and health/life insurance. It can be really rough when your health fails.

I nearly went bankrupt (I had to stop support child support payments for my kids) before I qualified for disability.

Walk a mile, etc...

No E · Post by **No E** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 3:15 pm

Pipeman wrote:Hi AlanB,

...Indeed I am surprised that the great Mr Hunter allows his name to be associated with an unreliable pipe maker!! ...

Mark.

While there is little dispute that Peter Hunter is a highly skilled pipemaker, his name and the word "reliable" don't often come up in the same conversation.

No E

Pipeman · Post by **Pipeman** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 11:44 pm

Many thanks to those forum members who sent me information regarding Mr Stephenson, and alternative suggestions from where I might buy a decent practice set.

Apolgies to anyone who seemingly were offended by my post!

However if Mr Stephenson has gotten himself a poor reputation I do not think I am to blame for this.

Mark

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Newbie Question Pipemaker Contact

Newbie Question Pipemaker Contact

Good word for it.