Home - Smallpipes - Border Pipes - Prices and Ordering - Everything Else
Materials
- Note -
I prefer to use woods that I have on hand to insure they are well-seasoned. However, each set I make is made to order. So if you have something else in mind, and I can find it through a trusted source, than I'll be happy to accommodate.
- Woods -
The most popular wood right now is Bois De Rose. However I have also sold a fair number of sets in Mesquite. Due to it's increasing scarcity, I try not to use African Blackwood. However, I have and will make sets out of this great wood if asked.
See below for other woods available:
A note about photos. Wood is a great and varied thing. Pieces of wood can vary by color within the same board. And most woods darken over time. Some woods, like many rosewoods, darken considerably in a very short span of time. These pictures are of recently cut examples of these woods. In most cases pipes made from these woods will be a bit darker than the pictures shown.
Exotic Hard Woods
Bois De Rose - This is my most popular wood. It's a great tone wood. I personally wish it would stay this color, but it turns very dark, almost black in about a year. This makes it popular with those who want the traditional dark wood look for their bagpipes. To see a comparison between African Blackwood and Bois De Rose click Here.
East Indian Rosewood, also called Sonokeling. This is a new offering for those looking for the "traditional" dark wood pipes. Grown on plantations and a cousin to African Blackwood.
Lignum Vitae - The "wood of life". Classic wood for bagpipes.
Castella Boxwood - A great substitute for European Boxwood. It is much less rare, and I find it more stable. For those who are looking for a light colored set.
The American Woods
Black Mesquite* (I use a french polish on this wood, so it ends up a bit darker than this- see photos on Border Pipes page)
Osage*
Apple*
HopHornbeam* - A great American wood, not generally comercially available.
European Fruitwoods
I've had some requests for these woods used in making pipes in days of yore.
Plumwood
Pearwood - For those who like a lighter wood for pipes.
- Metals -
I prefer to bind the pipes with stainless steel ferrules. They are very hard, very attractive, and never tarnish. I keep brass on hand, some like that look. I'm willing to discuss other materials as well.
- Mounts -
I like to use natural mount material whenever possible. I find faux ivory too brittle, and prone to chipping. Woods such as boxwood are a nice alternative. I also use moose or other antlers. Water buffalo horn goes well with lighter woods, or paired with a darker wood makes a lovely all dark set. It is Black with small White streaks. I have experience with Mamooth ivory, though no supplier for it at this time.
A great new alternative to ivory is Ivory Nut Palm (only available for Border Pipes) and Tagua Nut. The former looks like aged ivory, and the latter more like newly turned ivory. Lovely shine to them, too. Below, on the left, is another Palm alternative, Raphia Tae Nut. If you like the look of the Raphia Tae, there are many great Palm Nuts that have speakles or streaks that I'd love to try out on a set. I get my Palm Nuts from www.ivorynutpalm.com. If you like the look of a different nut on that site let me know.
Raphia Tae, Deer Antler, European Boxwood.
Again, I am willing to discuss any possiblity.
Home - Smallpipes - Border Pipes - Materials - Prices & Ordering - Contact Us - News - Gallery