B & J Say Smallpipes

Catalogue

Our current catalogue includes Northumbrian smallpipes in F, F#, G and D pitches. For a detailed description of these alternatives, please see  'Guide to choosing a set of pipes'.

Scottish smallpipes are available in A, Bb, C, and D.

All our pipes are made to traditional designs, from African blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon). Metalwork is normally nickel-plated brass, though brass finish and silver plate are also available. Mountings are usually of GPS 'alternative ivory' - horn is also available, and drone stocks are hardwood as available. (GPS is an ivory replacement developed by museums for restoration work - it has a grain, and does not yellow in the way that earlier substitutes did.)

Bags are hand-stitched leather, and covers are usually cotton velvet - a range of colours is available, with red, dark blue, green, wine and black generally in stock. A woollen 'Northumbrian plaid' is also sometimes available.

All chanters are fitted with an interchangeable stock. Northumbrian pipes in 'F' pitch are pitched 20 cents sharp on F (A=440) unless agreed otherwise with the customer. Chanters are supplied in rigid plastic tubes, and sets are supplied in soft cases. Hard cases are available by arrangement.

Bellows are made from a variety of hardwoods, hand stitched and dressed. They are available in three grades: economy, standard, and inlaid. The difference is principally decorative - function is unaffected.

We also undertake restoration and renovation work on all types of Northumbrian smallpipes, and supply reeds for Northumbrian and Scottish smallpipes.

Payment is on completion - no deposit is required. We regret that we are unable to take credit cards. Please call to discuss your exact requirements, and also for our current delivery times.

Price list for 2000-2001

Northumbrian smallpipes

Because of the number of options available, only a selection of example prices are given. Quotations for any pitch, particular combinations of keys, and style of bellows are available on request.

Sets of pipes:

     
    1 F pitch, simple (keyless) chanter , 3 plain drones (open-ended), 
       brass finish, economy bellows     		 £350
    2 F pitch, 7-key chanter, 4 plain drones (with plungers), 1 tuning bead, 
       brass finish, economy bellows    		 £645
    3 F pitch, 7 key chanter, 4 mounted drones, 4 tuning beads,
       standard bellows    		 £890
    4 As 3, G pitch £925
    5 As 3, D pitch £920
    6 F pitch 11 key chanter (7 +G#'s & F nats), 4 mounted drones, 
       4 tuning beads, inlaid bellows     		 £1090
    7 F pitch 13 key chanter (7 +G#'s & F nats, low B & C), 4 mounted drones,
       4 tuning beads, inlaid bellows    		 £1155
    8 As 7, in G pitch £1220
    9 As 7, in D pitch £1245
    10 F pitch 17 key chanter, 4 mounted drones, 4 tuning beads, inlaid bellows** £1435
    11 F pitch 17 key chanter, 5 mounted drones, 5 tuning beads, drone switch,
       inlaid bellows**     		 £1635
    12 As 11, G pitch**  £1720
 **At this complexity, choice of included keys becomes highly individual. The price quoted is for a 2 octave chromatic chanter (B to B), though these are today unusual. Extended ranges to A & G (at the low end), and C at the top end, are made possible by leaving out some of the little used keys on a chromatic chanter.
 

Chanters:
 
 
7-key G chanter £355
7-key D chanter £340
13-key F chanter  £715
13-key G chanter  £780
17-key F chanter** £795
17-key G chanter** £880

Bellows:
 
Economy (brass finish) £80
Standard (nickel-plated) £130
Inlaid (nickel-plated)   £160

Reeds:

Reeds can be supplied for both Northumbrian and Scottish smallpipes. Chanter and drone reeds are made as taught by Colin Ross. Drone reeds are the composite type, brass bodies with either cane or plastic tongues.
Supplying reeds for pipes by other makers can raise difficulties, so please contact us to discuss your requirements before ordering.

Chanter reeds         £12.50
Drone reeds           £10 each

Scottish smallpipes

Scottish smallpipes are supplied with three drones, and various configurations are available for these. The drone types are designated bass, baritone, tenor, and alto. Bass and two tenors gives the 'Highland' configuration. Prices are quoted for nickel plated finish, with standard bellows and soft case.
 
 
A or Bb pitches (bass and two tenor drones) £725
C or D pitches (bass, baritone and tenor drones) £640
A or Bb chanter only £130
C or D chanter only £110

Scottish smallpipe chanters may be used with Northumbrian drones provided that the appropriate notes are available on the drones.