bill@persci.UUCP (07/19/85)
As requested, I am posting the (six)pointers I've received to Northumbrian Pipe
makers so far. In many cases these pointers here are composed of two or more
letters I received, and edited a bit. I should have mentioned that I wanted
to go to the manufacturer directly to save money (I saved $200-$300 on my
Highland Pipes a few years ago, the same way). I have learned since that a
local musician (Denny Hall of White Hart, Gig Harbor WA) will also be making
smallpipes in several months (he already makes Spanish -gaida-, French -biniou,
petit biniou, cornemuse, cabrette, musette-, and Flemish pipes). Unfortunately,
due to circumstances (economic), I'm going to have to postpone my purchase.
Many thanks to those spent the time and effort to help me in my search.
Bill Swan {ihnp4,decvax,allegra,...}!uw-beaver!tikal!persci!bill
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#1: Colin Ross, of the High Level Ranters:
I can understand wanting to go directly to the source. (..to save $$..)
Colin Ross, of The High Level Ranters, is making Northumbrian Smallpipes
(and also other oddities, such as Scottish Lowland pipes) at surprisingly
reasonable prices (may have something to do with the pound vs. the dollar).
"Surprisingly reasonable", as I recall, is under $500, and may even have
been something like $300. I don't have Ross's address, but try writing to
him c/o his record label (Topic Records). Even if he no longer is making
pipes, he should be able to direct you to makers over there (you could
enclose a self-addressed envelope with postal reply coupons to make things
easier for him).
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#2: Grit Laskin from Toronto:
Grit Laskin is a musician and instrument maker from, I think, Toronto. I
believe that he makes smallpipes as well as guitars and other stringed
instruments. I don't know exactly where he is, but he's a known person.
You might look for his recordings - I think he has recorded solo and also
with Ian Robb and a group called "Hang the Piper" - and try to reach him in
care of the record company.
("Hang the Piper"? Not sure I want to get involved with *that*! :-)
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#3: Alistair Anderson:
Alistair Anderson is going to be on staff at Celtic Week at Fiddle and
Dance Camp at Ashokan, NY July 21-27. The camp is run by fiddler Jay Ungar,
of West Hurley, NY, and you might be able to get a request to Mr. Anderson
through Jay.
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#4: "Lark in the Morning" and "Hobgoblin Music":
Lark in the Morning might be able to help you. They sell a lot of Celtic
instruments, and at one time I know they were selling Uillean pipes. I see
them at Highland Games in California so I don't have their address.
I suggest you contact Lark in the Morning -- they carry all sorts of
instruments, and I'm almost positive they have Northumbrian pipes.
Lark in the Morning
POB 1176
Mendocino CA 95460
(707) 964-5569
Their prices are not cheap, but they probably have the best selection.
Another possibility is Hobgoblin in South San Francisco. They are the
American branch of an English store, so even if they don't normally
carry pipes, they may be able to obtain them.
Hobgoblin Music (just recently moved)
POB 5311, South San Francisco, CA 94080
1655 Mission Rd, Colma (above Molloy's pub; go up stairs in
the back)
(415) 991-4040 Tues-Sat 12-5pm
Both stores do a lot of mail order business and publish catalogs that
are fun to leaf through and drool.
(Agreed. I do.)
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#5: Ken Bloom in Illinois:
You might try writing to Ken Bloom c/o Northwestern University in
Evanston, IL. I know he makes these instruments, but I'm not certain
that he is still with the University. (It was several years ago.)
He has also recorded on the Flying Fish label.
Flying Fish Records
1304 West Schubert Ave.
Chicago IL, 60614
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#6: Unknown Person in Vermont:
I once heard that there is a guy in Burlington, VT, who makes Northumbrian
pipes. (But, he's supposed to be expensive.) Depending on how far you
are willing to chase wild geese, you could locate a folk music store
in Burlington (I'm sure there are some), and start from there, or you could
call the University of Vt (actually known as UVM, but that's another story),
and maybe talk to someone in the music department.
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Not a pointer, but good recording refernce:
Also, I just got a fine record of Northumbrian Music from the "Musical
Heritage Society". They're a classical record producer/club located in
Ocean, NJ (Area Code 201). The name of the record (and/or tape) is
"On Kielder Side". You might also check out their record/tape "Lutunn Noz",
which is Breton Celtic music, and probably one of my favorite records of all
time.
(I am a MHS member, and also recommend Lutunn Noz. I will be buying the other.)
--
Bill Swan {ihnp4,decvax,allegra,...}!uw-beaver!tikal!persci!billelf@utcsri.UUCP (Eugene Fiume) (07/22/85)
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- > #2: Grit Laskin from Toronto: > > Grit Laskin is a musician and instrument maker from, I think, Toronto. I > believe that he makes smallpipes as well as guitars and other stringed > instruments. I don't know exactly where he is, but he's a known person. > You might look for his recordings - I think he has recorded solo and also > with Ian Robb and a group called "Hang the Piper" - and try to reach him in > care of the record company. > > ("Hang the Piper"? Not sure I want to get involved with *that*! :-) > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > -- > Bill Swan {ihnp4,decvax,allegra,...}!uw-beaver!tikal!persci!bill Yes indeed, Grit Laskin is living in Toronto. I own a guitar made by him, and I didn't know he hacked away at anything else. I am sure I can dig up an address and/or phone number. If anyone is interested, please e-mail. I am Californ-eye-ay bound until Aug. 6. Eugene Fiume U of Toronto {decvax|allegra}!utcsri!elf