This is a set of five drone border pipes made for me by Will Woodson of Banton & Woodson in 2020. I am the original owner. They have been stored in a smoke-free home. They are mesquite wood with dark horn mounts and the metal is brass. I have stored them with a humidifying system for optimal tone, but rather than continually polish the brass, I have elected to let the brass tarnish for what I personally think is a very cool aged/antique look. I suppose if you’d prefer them shiny, they would probably clean up fairly well with traditional buffing/polishing cloth (I haven’t tried).
One thing that makes this set especially unique is the fact it is a five-drone set. It includes Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, and a Contra-bass (a whole octave lower than bass!). Each drone has it’s own horn drone plug so you can choose what combination of drones you would like to use. The set also has a drone switch that allows the entire air to the drone stock to be shut off; however, it’s not just an ordinary drone switch. It can be used in two directions, so you can also alter air between one combination of drones and another! This is very useful for key changes and allows for a preposterous combination of sound options. The chanter also contains a high B key, played using the left thumb. The set does not include a bellows as I did not purchase one with the set (I used my Dow bellows and I am keeping the bellows for use with my smallpipes). I am confident they would be able to sell a bellows separately for a reasonable price. I am selling because I’m moving across the country and would like to thin out my instrument collection. This is a wonderful set in great playing condition and it comes with an extra chanter reed.  This purchase will also include a Hiscox UP case, which I had to custom order from Europe.
I paid >$5,000 USD for the pipes and case in 2020. At the time I was lucky to get a set before Mr. Woodson stopped taking orders. Even then I had a several year wait. I am not sure if Banton & Woodson are even taking orders any longer for border pipes, but their website shows lots of details and in my opinion, these are the nicest border pipes you can buy today. They were made in Maine, USA. The price on these includes insured shipping within the continental US. International buyers please contact me regarding shipping.
This is a great opportunity to obtain a master instrument with zero wait time.
Please look at all the photos! I am happy to answer any questions. Thanks for looking!
UPDATE 09/22/22: Price reduction from $4,350 to $4,000
