Gorgeous set of Scottish Smallpipes, based on early surviving examples of pipes from the 1700s. This was a joint-project between Julian Goodacre and Jon Swayne, two of the finest pipe-makers in Britain, which I commissioned. The beautifully scalloped Chanter was made by Julian Goodacre, (partially designed by myself, based on the ‘Ian Dall’ 1656-1754 chanter) https://www.goodbagpipes.com/index.php/about-me/writings/bagpipe-research/the-iain-dall-chanter
It feels so comfortable, like it is moulded/melted into your hand. And has a wonderful true, clear, soft, but also a solid warm tone. Key of A. The drones were made by Jon Swayne, again, based on sets from museums, and private collections. I have include some of these examples in the photos here, the last 8 photos.
I love drones, and noticed the museum examples always had larger more ‘chunky’ drones than todays’ so they are actually Border Pipe Drones, but are perfectly balanced with, and were specifically made for this Smallpipe chanter. There are 4 drones ; Bass, Baritone, Tenor, and Alto, plus an on/off drone switch. So you have a fantastic rich, creamy, deep, powerful, but not overwhelming, layered combination of drones, which you can chose yourself which combination you like on – or the whole set together, which is what I prefer! Please see the video to hear them together, I demonstrate at least 4 drone combinations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT_Uu7rNKTI Both Chanter and Drones really compliment each each other, neither one overpowers the other, as I say, they were designed together to be perfectly balanced. The drones are also arranged like Uilleann pipe drones – they rest on your lap. This is also historically accurate to some pipes, especially when you look at early Pastoral Pipes. This is also very comfortable, and needs far less re-tuning, than if they were floating across your chest.
Made of native materials available, and historically accurate to the time – Plum and Cow Horn. They play beautifully, with such ease, don’t take much air, reeds are steady and well balanced, they play like a dream! A Rolls Royce set of pipes.
This is a truly unique, once-off commission. There is no other set of pipes out there like it. I appreciate they are a more expensive than an average set of pipes, but a tremendous amount of study, research, planning, and co-operation went into this set, so the price is reflective of the extra effort involved. I am asking €2500. If you love the history of pipes, and wish to play the closest thing to a museum piece (with modern fingering) don’t let this opportunity pass you by! I am heart-broken that I have to sell it, but I’ve been learning on Uilleann pipes for the last year, my new set is near completion, and sadly this set of smallpipes is no longer being played – I believe pipes must be played.
The set also come with the stunning (and fitting) antique hard carry case as photographed. It is of metal construction, superbly robust, very well lined and padded, with a beautiful outer leather covering and brass fittings. I will also supply a bellows if you need one. It is a good bellows, but needs a connector tube and straps, just let me know if you need it. I will also add a spare reed for the chanter. Buyer to pay for postage. I will be using Fedex courier unless otherwise instructed. Pick-up-and-play condition, I guarantee you will love this truly stunning set. A true gem of a set. Please email/message or phone me with any questions 087-3919356 I’m also on Whattsap.
Please watch the video for the best idea, it was shot on my phone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT_Uu7rNKTI
