Roddy MacLeod launches “Hebridean” range of Pipes

[William McKenzie]

pipesdrums.com/article/roddy-macleod-launches-extensive-new-line-of-pipes/

Made by David Naill & Co. no less which is nice to see them expanding their line.

The Hebridean series includes instruments named after various islands on the Scotland west coast, each having a heavy influence on Highland piping, including MacLeod’s own Hebridean heritage. Prices range from £875 for the Raasay model to more than £2,500 for the Lewis model, which features full silver hand-engraved mounts.

MacLeod has expanded his website to allow pipers to order from him directly, customizing their selection to include bagcovers, type of bag, cords length of blowstick and chanter.

Interesting. So many good options now. Will be curious to hear these.

[Tucker Fleming]

Drones sound beautiful on all recordings

[John Dally]

It would be interesting to see how the different "endorsement" designs differ from each other and other designs in the manufacturers' line up in detail.

[pancelticpiper]

They're sure beautiful and look nothing like Naills, but as he says have the old-school look of his vintage Lawries.

I wonder about the bore specs. Interesting that he says he had to change the bass specs. I used to have Lawries of about the same period and the bass was great. But he said the goal was to be able to use a range of modern synthetic reeds.

[Raibeart]

The "Lewis" is mounted with 3 lbs. of silver! That's got to be a lot of money and I'm not sure how I feel about 3 extra lbs on my shoulder, but they look stunning!

[uther]

Those are some absolutley stunning looking bagpipes. Even on the non silver models I love the heavier engraving on the nickel than I see on a lot of other makers sets.

[pancelticpiper]

Originally Posted by Raibeart

The "Lewis" is mounted with 3 lbs. of silver! That's got to be a lot of money and I'm not sure how I feel about 3 extra lbs on my shoulder, but they look stunning!

I shouldered a full-silver set of Naills once and no thanks.

Thing is, I know a couple pipers who have vintage full-silver sets that aren't any heavier than ordinary pipes, due to the projecting mounts being soldered together out of sheet silver, thus being hollow.

One guy's set had one projecting mount that had received a knock at some point, the seam had split and you could see how the mount had been fabricated.

About the Roddy MacLeod pipes, my favourites are the ones without silver. That imitation ivory looks so good! I would want a set with plain blackwood projecting mounts and imitation ivory rings, bushes, and ferrules. (No metal.)

[Mac an t-Sealgair]

Originally Posted by uther

Those are some absolutley stunning looking bagpipes. Even on the non silver models I love the heavier engraving on the nickel than I see on a lot of other makers sets.

Yeah, me too. I hate that laser etched finish.

I like the Skye but my allegiance would prohibit me from purchasing them

[uther]

Originally Posted by Mac an t-Sealgair

Yeah, me too. I hate that laser etched finish.

I like the Skye but my allegiance would prohibit me from purchasing them

I think the 2 year warranty would make me hesitate, the McCallum 10 year warranty drew me to them when I got my set.

[William McKenzie]

Originally Posted by pancelticpiper

They're sure beautiful and look nothing like Naills, but as he says have the old-school look of his vintage Lawries.

I wonder about the bore specs. Interesting that he says he had to change the bass specs. I used to have Lawries of about the same period and the bass was great. But he said the goal was to be able to use a range of modern synthetic reeds.

I've wondered about this in years past. The 1-2 Lawries of this vintage that I've come across I feel like did have finicky bass bores.

Originally Posted by Raibeart

The "Lewis" is mounted with 3 lbs. of silver! That's got to be a lot of money and I'm not sure how I feel about 3 extra lbs on my shoulder, but they look stunning!

Daaaaaaanng.. 3lbs! I did not notice this initially. Though to be fair I don't like silver on pipes.

Originally Posted by pancelticpiper

I shouldered a full-silver set of Naills once and no thanks.

About the Roddy MacLeod pipes, my favourites are the ones without silver. That imitation ivory looks so good! I would want a set with plain blackwood projecting mounts and imitation ivory rings, bushes, and ferrules. (No metal.)

I hear you Richard, I ordered my most recent set of pipes this way for that reason. Simple and timeless I suppose. I like aluminum or stainless steel at times but the bling and weight of sterling silver has always felt kind of gaudy to me maybe.

Originally Posted by Mac an t-Sealgair

Yeah, me too. I hate that laser etched finish.

Yeah, me too. I had hand engraving on my last set and there is no comparing.

Originally Posted by uther

I think the 2 year warranty would make me hesitate, the McCallum 10 year warranty drew me to them when I got my set.

The tone of McCallum and repeatability are what drew me in. But Kenny MacLeod and McCallum are so gracious and kind to work with. I wouldn't hesitate to own a Naill myself if I preferred their sound. Maybe now having a Lawrie copy I might be tempted.