Why is it still ivory that's No.1?

[MacTallanambeann]

Hi all,

This is something that I have wondered about for some time now. Put simply I don't get all queasy about where ivory comes from but I really don't see why it's so highly prized, especially from a visual point of view.

Is it just the 'status quo' of bagpipes or is there some quality of ivory that I am missing?

[Pip01]

Greetings, MacTallanambeann,


I would think that there are some mounts in
ivory... that are old... weathered... and stained...
and the past hard times... show upon them...


But when... they are either well cared for... or
properly restored... then there is a certain hue...
a certain cast... of warmth and light... from and
around them. (A bit difficult to describe in mere
words. The seeing of such... speaks volumes...)


As for our present matter of direly needed... and
now required... conservation... I readily find that
I am in the camp... of stopping poachers... and in
what ever manner... proves permanent.


Our once far-seeming globe... now proves ever
smaller and smaller... and our now extant wildlife...
streams and forests... mineral resources... and even
the air we breathe... is ever more in need of our most
thoughtful... and effective... conservation.


When it comes to the Life around us... "Live and Let
Live"... seems a goodly stance.


Regards,


Pip01

[MacTallanambeann]

Greetings to you too Pip01

I have to admit that, being somewhat flamboyant in my tastes, I don't find ivory terribly exciting. In my latest set of pipes that I had made for me I opted for an acrylic resin with the name 'Green Goblin' and it was turned up in a sort of miniature projecting mount design which was dictated by the available blanks but I think turned out very nicely. To me, personally, while it may be a man made material it captures the eye, plays with the light and the maker really created a design I love. The work and the play of the light to me is more valuable than a bit of an elephants tusk.

This is the pipe by the way:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/150491...posted-public/

Of course I do have to say that, while I love the looks of this bagpipe and the maker really hit exactly what I was looking the most important thing is still the sound and these drones are powerful, rich and sweet.

[CalumII]

Historically, ivory was prized as there were few materials that were strong yet easily carved in any direction, and in a time when material science was limited in the colours and finishes a substance could be given, it was unusual and eye-catching.



Nowadays, of course, it is mainly the status quo that gives it cachet, but a few hundred years ago it really was special and exotic.

[MacTallanambeann]

I am surprised that there hasn't been more of a move to try and introduce other materials nowadays though. I get the sense, rightly or wrongly, that people in the main feel that the material should be natural and rare or it's not worth having.

[el gaitero]

Originally Posted by MacTallanambeann

I am surprised that there hasn't been more of a move to try and introduce other materials nowadays though. I get the sense, rightly or wrongly, that people in the main feel that the material should be natural and rare or it's not worth having.

Already using Stone,antler, various woods, sterling, less noble metals, faux anything,..what’s left....recycled trash?

[Bob Harper]

Originally Posted by MacTallanambeann

I am surprised that there hasn't been more of a move to try and introduce other materials nowadays though. I get the sense, rightly or wrongly, that people in the main feel that the material should be natural and rare or it's not worth having.

If you play in a band, you might tend to opt for a choice that tends to be somewhat uniform with everyone else, just as in dress, drone cords and pipe bag. But I think mainly it's tradition and habit. The white/cream color does go nicely with the dark wood. I like the look of your pipes and the way you set them up.

[Pip01]

I, too... and very much... like this... your set of
pipes (!! :) ... and even the more so... in that
they are... and in that older style... the more
plainly turned... :)


Quite a handsome set!!... and I am quite sure...
that you play them... quite handsomely!!... :)

[Riverside piper]

Not sure if this will work,a really different mount with https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theaterbuffalo horn.

[Patrick McLaurin]

That buffalo horn looks very nice, though it doesn’t offer much contrast.

There are a lot of other materials, woods like boxwood and holly actually look good, but a lot of non-ivory-like alternatives are super fugly, like imitation horn, jade , etc.

I think the presence of ivory also (in our mind anyway) lends legitimacy to the age/quality/provenance of the underlying wood/instrument, whether it’s warranted by the resulting tone or not.