FN and D&N sporrans

[pancelticpiper]

That sounds very sensible.

Back in the 1980s there were a couple bands who adopted matching sunglasses around here, I don't think anybody...

[pancelticpiper]

Be aware that the story of "Sinclair pipes" is complicated.

The two William Sinclairs (Senior and Junior) opened their pipemaking...

[pancelticpiper]

When I was at piping school around 1980 the head instructor was Evan MacRae, he said he had had a bespoke Bass bottom made, narrower bore and a bit longer....

[pancelticpiper]

An update on the fat-mount Lawries, they're tied into a bag (which I was able to pick up in person at Piper's Hut) and they sound great.

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[pancelticpiper]

I would say that there's a difference between recognisable and correct. A and B are different notes, there's no way around it.

Put tape...

[pancelticpiper]

Yes and not only sporran cantles but also buckles. Here's a collage I put together of some FN or D&N work including a buckle.

Note the...

[pancelticpiper]

For sure the Highland chanter wasn't designed to do that, and as makers keep re-designing GHB chanters to make them more and more stable the chanters...

[pancelticpiper]

Yes the most common Pipe Band waiscoat/vest is made from black Barathea with five square chrome buttons. In the old days 4-pocket vests were standard,...

[pancelticpiper]

As mentioned above it's possible to "pinch" to get High B. My old Pipe Major was quite good at it.

With woodwinds there's a concept...

[pancelticpiper]

All that old stuff aside, here's an example of how I dress for piping gigs

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[pancelticpiper]

Actually 5-button waistcoats were very much in the minority until recently, 6 was most common. (Even 7 is sometimes seen.)



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[pancelticpiper]

Note that this hallmarked Sterling Silver FN cantle has a hinge mechanism not unlike 18th century sporrans. It has the date letter for 1967.
...

[pancelticpiper]

Most pipers are familiar with the hallmarked silver used throughout much of the 20th century, by a number of different pipemakers, silver maker's mark...

[pancelticpiper]

Much easier and more reliable strike-ins, far more effortless cut-offs, much better feel under the arm, more ergonomic, and most importantly amazingly...

[pancelticpiper]

My thinking is that when playing gigs with pipe organ, brass ensemble, etc the overriding concern is staying in tune.

You don't need grass-flattening...