I am getting long in the tooth, so time to hang up my beloved pipes. I have had them a few years now, and have enjoyed playing them. The tone is like no other pipe I have played, and I have played many. Deep resonance, and boy do they sing.
Full ebony, no silver or Ivory to worry about, can ship anywhere. Ron Bowen of the Bagpipe museum says about circa. 1910, His opinion is base on the wood, and the thickness of the ferrules (very thick compared to newer). Others say later based on the casein rings. One ferrule may be newer, as the double lines are ever so slightly closer together. All original parts including blowpipe.
If you research casein, it was invented in the late 1800’s. It was out of production mostly in the late 1920’s. Many online resources point to this. So anyone suggesting much later has failed to do adequate research. But then 10 years either way doesn’t make a hill of beans either way does it? The value is in the tone from the superior wood and the maker.
The pipes came to me from Edinburgh, in a “refinished” state. Meaning clean and polished and checked. I did find a tiny 1/2 cm crack on one tenor top at the joint that has a dab of super glue on it. The crack has not progressed. I use a black lite on pipes to look for imperfections you would not see with the naked eye. Blowpipe stock has been lined with an insert and a crack has been whipped at Dunbars.
The casein rings do shrink now and then, maybe once a year. A little dab of hide glue and they are sitting tight.
The pipes get oiled a few times a year. The pipes are played daily, but not for long. I have lost the urge to keep playing. I played mostly Piobaireachd, and these are the best there is.
The tenors drones tune at the hempline, and the base sits about 3 fingers up from the bottom.
The Beggs hybrid hide bag is 2 years old and needs no seasoning. Super quality. I have played both sheep and hybrid, and don’t feel a difference.
Ships anywhere via the post office. Very reliable, though can be a few days longer. Shipping cost based on where you are, but expect $100 USD that includes insurance and tracking.
Included is the Henderson chanter from the same set, but who knows if it is a replacement. No sole is attached.
I can add a new- never tied in Sheep bag from Jack Lee that has not been punched. It is about 2 years old. No grommets or zipper. that is $350 more USD.
Message me for questions. Paypal only.
