Uilleann Pipe Transport

Bob Whelan - 0510815

Research Methods and Results

Uilleann Pipes

• Fragile:– Contains reeds– Easily upset, even by looking at them

funny– Temperature– Humidity

• Rare:– maybe 6000 players worldwide– Not very well catered for

• Expensive:– ~ €10,000 is normal– waiting lists for replacements

• 7 - 10 years not unusual

• A very strange and variable shape

Poorly supported

• Most people are using variations of flight or rifle cases

• Usually bulkier and heavier than desired

• Wood, plastic, fibreglass, carbon fibre

Exceptions

• Soft casesTom Delaney- Bagpiper case

• Ruck sacksEugene Lambe

Player interviews• Maire Ní Ghrada (twice)• Louise Mulcahy• Thomas Johnston (targeted questions)• Recording Methods Used:

– Dictaphone– Notes– Photographs

Maker Interviews

• Mickey Dunne• Eugene Lambe• (Future Derrick Gleeson)• (Future Jimmy O Brien Moran)• Recorded with Dictaphone,

photographs

Session Trips

• Dolan’s• Locke Bar• Nancy Blakes

Tom Delany - Custom case

• Recorded with video and photographs

Literature Review• Library Garvin Book• Making Set of Mock up pipes• Irish Music magazine• Na Piobairí Uilleann• Online reading

Emailing Experts

• Na Piobaire Uilleann• List of makers• Emailed directly• Great response• Huge enthusiasm• Kept as PDFs

Internet Forums• Na Piobaire Uilleann:

– 63,000 members– Worldwide umbrella organisation– Very poor response (None)

• Uilleann Forum– Seattle based pipers club– Reasonable response (3-4)

• Chiff and Fipple– Tin whistle forum with Uilleann section– Best response (8)

Other Media Research

• Pat Kenny (yesterday)– 4 pipers promoting weekend event

• Television– Nationwide (RTÉ player)

• Michael Vignoles

• You Tube• Workshops run by Na Piobairi

Uilleann Pipe Factory Pakistan

• Not the typical idea of Uilleann pipe making• A Set of pipes is €1000• Off the shelf• This is more like it

– Cottage industry– Artisan– Set €6,000 -10,000– Waiting list - 7 years not unusual

Main FindingsAbsolute Prerequisites

• Light weight - back friendly• Strong-pipe friendly• Compact - airline friendly• Place for extras, whistles etc. - player friendly• Waterproof - reed friendly• Breathable - reed friendly• Definitely no exposing reeds - common sense• Good handle - Hand friendly

Main FindingsDesirable Features

• Adjustability, expandability• Quality fittings, zips catches etc.• Longevity, as for pipes themselves• Airport security streamlining• Lockable/security feature• Name plate

Main FindingsDebatable Features

• Cost 5%?• Brightly coloured (my own thoughts)?• HI VIZ• Two pronged solution, air travel or local• Aesthetic materials/design?• Wheels?• Other instruments