Importance of drone stocks?

[Dave Caprile]

I have seen drones offered for sale without stocks and/or without all three. I have seen replacement parts offered by a variety of pipe makers.

Do the drone stocks have a critical function to the tone of the drones, (other than the obvious function as an attachment point to the bag)?

Specifically, if one needed to replace a missing or cracked drone stock, could the original quality of the instrument suffer?

I ask, because it would seem to me, a relative novice, that the stocks might very well function in a critical way as a sound chamber for the reeds, and wonder how important it is to match the age of the wood, as well as the dimensions of the stock, to the original(s)?

Is any of this an issue to warrant discussion?

[Iain Sherwood]

It certainly is. From a 'purist' viewpoint, cracked stocks definately affect the value of the pipe. Replacing stocks reduces the overall value by aboout 15-20%. Repairing or sleeving existing stocks can bring them back up to full value, so long as it's a good job and not noticable.

Replacement stocks that aren't good quality (i.e. pitting or poor finish) can create undesirable eddies and interrupt airflow, providing uneven pressure on the reed and affecting tone. I personally have never witnessed this, but there are those who strongly insist that this is so.

Brass or copper-lined stocks are a definate advantage for older drones, providing a smooth wall and greatly reducing the possibility of cracking. Glen and MacDougall made brass or copper lined stocks and longjoints for their 'overseas' pipes, meant to be used in the tropics (to prevent damage by bugs).

It's unfortunate that many sets now offered at auctions these days are damaged, stockless, or just in bad condition - but that's the current market. Anyone buying an antique set from an auction should get a minimum 15-day grace period for examination and testing, with full refund if unsatisfactory.

[Jeff Wolf]

Iain,

To kind of take Dave's question a little further -
What about the replacement of missing or damaged stocks with high quality replacements? I've seen many old pipes offered with replacements from current makers that matched pretty well visually.

I'm sure their presence affects cost, but is there any real detriment to the sound quality? In your opinion, should a person overlook a set of otherwise excellent turn of the century pipes from a reputable maker because one or more of the stocks is a high quality replacement?

[Iain Sherwood]

From the playing pointof view, you must be practical. Good quality replacement stocks get the pipe playing - which is, after all, what it was made for.

It's obviously not going to have the same monetary value as an intact original set, but, with prices the way they are, and with what's on the market these days, it would be very hard to find an intact set in good to excellent condition.

[Dave Caprile]

So, Iain ... Say I have a set of Shepherd's - not vintage - maybe 10 years old - and they have a hairline crack in a tenor drone stock;

Are you saying that sending them back to Shepherd to have a replacement stock made (rather than repaired) would decrease their value in the long run?

Secondly, do you think the tone would be altered, using newer wood, even though the original manufacturer matched the stock?

[Iain Sherwood]

No; I was referring to pipes made by defunct makers.
Are you saying that sending them back to Shepherd to have a replacement stock made (rather than repaired) would decrease their value in the long run?

Secondly, do you think the tone would be altered, using newer wood, even though the original manufacturer matched the stock?
I won't comment on Shepherd, but replacements made by the original maker SHOULD be your best bet.

If they're well made (no fills, no gouges, no gaposis) the tone shouldn't change.