Embedded Files
Koehler and Quinn C Uilleann Pipes
Koehler and Quinn C Uilleann Pipes
In June of 2009, I received a magnificent set of Koehler and Quinn pipes. This instrument was custom built to my specifications. In terms of pitch, I had opted for a C set as I feel that this pitch has the sweetness of a flat set but still retains some of the punch of a D set.
Michael Egan has always been my favorite pipemaker of the golden age of uilleann pipemaking in the 19th century. Therefore, I had asked David and Benedict to incorporate as much as possible of the Egan ethos into this instrument. Ebony and nickel silver were the materials I requested for the construction of these pipes. The chanter has 8 keys as was the fashion for deluxe chanters of the 19th century. I had also requested the addition of an E regulator to the set since this note was present on many of the older 19th century sets.
D Uilleann Pipes
D Uilleann Pipes
My D set of pipes is now an assortment of work by several makers. However, the majority of the instrument was made by the late Johnny Bourke (RIP) of Bray, Co. Wicklow. Typically, I use both Seth Gallagher and Benedict Koehler chanters on this set. The other non-Bourke item on this set is an E regulator made by Nick Whitmer.
THE UILLEANN PIPES
The uilleann pipes are a highly developed and sophisticated member of the bagpipe family. The chanter, which plays the lead melody, is similar to the early 18th century oboe in terms of its melodic range and chromatic capability. The three drones form a pedal bass against the lead melody on the chanter and the three regulators provide a third musical line that adds harmony and rhythm to the instrument.
THE WOODEN FLUTE
The wooden eight-keyed flute, sometimes referred to as the concert flute, was actually the form of flute used in classical orchestras up until the middle of the 19th century at which point the metal Boehm system flute became more popular. Many of the classic makers of this type of flute were located in England and vintage instruments were manufactured by Nicholson, Prowse, Rudall and Rose, etc. The instrument has six open holes augmented by eight block mounted keys for accidentals.
THE TINWHISTLE /PENNYWHISTLE/LOW WHISTLE
Tinwhistles/Pennywhistles/ Low Whistles are members of the flageolet family of woodwind instruments. The very earliest whistles were made from bone. In more recent times, metal, plastics and other synthetics are used to make these instruments. Regardless of the material used in construction, a whistle is basically a fipple mouthpiece attached to a cylindrical tube that has six fingerholes.
THE SCOTTISH SMALLPIPES
The Scottish Smallpipes were traditionally a bagpipe common to the Border area of Scotland and England. The smallpipes have a cylindrical, narrow bore chanter that plays an octave lower than conical bore chanters of the same length. They are a bellows blown instument with a mellow, sweet tone.
THE SCOTTISH HIGHLAND PIPES
The best known member of the bagpipe world, the highland pipes have three drones that play a pedal bass note against the lead melody on the chanter. The highland pipe chanter has a nine note diatonic range although some chromatics are available with cross or fork fingerings.
BORDER PIPES
Border Pipes are a bellows-blown version of the Highland Pipes. My instrument was made by Nigel Richards and it features keywork that allows extra notes not normally available on the Highland Pipes. The Border Pipes volume is approximately that of two fiddles, which is much reduced from the Highland Pipes.
Google Sites
Report abuse