Alternative woods, anyone?

[Jeff Wolf]

I'd like to here from some folks that have experience with pipes made of some the *ACCEPTABLE* alternatives to African Blackwood <leave space here for the "there IS no acceptable alternative to Blackwood" guys...>. As ABW gets more expensive and more rare, we may see more and more of Cocobolo, Kingwood, Mopane, Leadwood, and Gidgee, as examples.

As noted, I expect there will be a few "Give me Blackwood or give me another Guiness" folks out there, ready to respond as such, and ABW is certainly the standard. Other than Roddy MacLellan and Ray Hughes though, is anyone delving into these hard, heavy, beautiful but non-traditional woods? How do they sound, compared to Blackwood? Is there a discernable difference in tone or volume? Maintenance? Any other considerations?

AND, if we don't get any takers on this part of the discussion (as there just might not be very many forum members with alternative wood experience), please feel free to offer your opinions about why it is these woods are slow to gain acceptance. Blackwood's suitablility for GHB's was discovered almost by mistake. Is the next great material for pipes out there waiting to be discovered?

[Mitch Man]

As ABW gets more expensive and more rare

More myths to explore!

ABW is not getting more expensive, the total cost
for ABW on "ANY" new bagpipe is $250.00, the rest
is either Accroutment materials, Labour and
the usual retailing costs.

The piping industry consumes 10% of the total ABW world market.

Since "All" makers purchase their stock from the
same suppliers, there is no reported shorted or
a concern of a shortage in the future as
suppliers have learned to grow new stock to replace what is used every year.

ABW trees are very small and the chances of this
wood becoming extinct are about the same as
Guinness becoming extinct!

Lord knows, I've tried to drink all the Guinness,
but they just keep making more!

JM


JM

[ January 05, 2002: Message edited by: Mitch Man ]

[Christine]

I used to play recorder - loved it - and woods
were all hardwood - each giving a different sound.

Blackwood was not used at all - but Olive was used - a higher clear tone.

Maple was a rich full sound.

I know a man who made pipes of applewood - heard
them once - reed effects, aside - the tone was
crisp.

So. Exploring hard woods even to Oak or Maple
might be interesting.

Now wouldn't all those woods just entertain the
flame throwers!

Peace pipers.

Christine

[Mitch Man]

Originally posted by Christine:
I know a man who made pipes of applewood - heard them once - reed effects, aside - the tone was crisp.

So. Exploring hard woods even to Oak or Maple
might be interesting.

Now wouldn't all those woods just entertain the
flame throwers!
Christine

I'm sure all pipe makers would like to and have
explored all woods, but there is a reason that
the the greater majority of all instrument makers
of all industries have settled in ABW.

JM

[Patrick Piper]

Originally posted by Mitch Man:


I'm sure all pipe makers would like to and have
explored all woods, but there is a reason that
the the greater majority of all instrument makers
of all industries have settled in ABW.

JM

It's cheaper than true Cocus wood.

Pat

[Taoralurath]

I have a couple of old practice chanters made from (real) cocus wood, and they are my best pc's, along with one made of ebony. I would consider buying a cocus or ebony bagpipe, however, ebony is known to be more prone to cracking than BW.

In addition to the pipe makers mentioned, I have heard that Peter Cristler makes pipes in a "real" rosewood of some type, and remember reading an RMMB post from someone who thought they were every bit as good as the BW ones.

[Taoralurath]

Peter Cristler makes pipes from Bois De Ros (Madagascaran Rosewood). You might also want to check out C.E.Kron's Pink Ivory pipes. Also, Michael MacHarg makes pipes from alternative woods in addition to BW.

[Gaita]

I also play recorder, the most expensive recorders are made out of Grenadilla, which is (of course) African Blackwood. Most expensive recorders are made as solo instruments. The harder and more dense woods are used because they produce a more defined vibrant tone, where as pearwood is used for more ensemble playing because it blends well and is more muted. The GHB being a loud vibrant instrument it is, it only makes sense to make it out of Blackwood (Grenadilla).
Question: So does this mean that a softer wood would make a nice muted set of parlor pipes?

If I am wrong on any of this please correct me!

[Jeff Wolf]

Originally posted by Mitch Man:


More myths to explore!

ABW is not getting more expensive, the total cost
for ABW on "ANY" new bagpipe is $250.00, the rest
is either Accroutment materials, Labour and
the usual retailing costs.

The piping industry consumes 10% of the total ABW world market.

Since "All" makers purchase their stock from the
same suppliers, there is no reported shorted or
a concern of a shortage in the future as
suppliers have learned to grow new stock to replace what is used every year.

JM

JM, thanks again for the attempt to throw cold water on a discussion before it gets going, and please excuse me for not taking your opinion as gospel. I think some folks, like the African Blackwood Conservation Project (www.blackwoodconservation.org) Who's motto is "So the Tree of Music will not go Silent", think there's a possibility that there may be a shortage of USEABLE (instrument grade) Blackwood in the future, as there were many, many years of harvest of the best ABW without any of the re-planting you've mentioned.

But assuming you are absolutely right, that the supply of suitable ABW will go on forever and prices for it will not go up enough to make other woods a better choice economically, might we indulge in a little discussion about the pro's and con's of the alternatives? Just for fun, I mean? Not everyone needs or wants ABW <gasp!>.

BTW, I'd like reading the sources for your statements, as I'm very interested in the subject. E-mail them to me please, if you have a moment.

Christine (Hi, Christine!) Luramao, thanks for your informative posts!

[John Broadwell]

Hi folks, just curious, does anyone know the latin name for Cocus wood, I believe the wood originates from the West Indies and is now a totally protected species.

I have two, yes! two sets of Cocuswood pipes and am more than happy with the tone of these instruments.

I would just love to know the proper name for the wood.

Cheers

John

[ January 07, 2002: Message edited by: John Broadwell ]