Na Píobairí Uilleann

Chairman, NPU

An Píobaire

1

9 1 7 20130207 7 Gerry Lyons MEASUREMENT PROJECT N A PÍOBAIRÍ UILLEANN has long recog- nized the significance of classic sets of pipes by masters of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and the need to measure and document the best examples of the work of past masters. This is important not just for archival purposes, but is of vital importance to modern makers wishing to study and emulate their work. The publications of the Seán Reid Society, Iris na bPíobairí, and some private publications have made pioneering efforts in this direction. Nonetheless, comprehensive, state-of-the-art measurements of full sets of pipes remain unpublished. Given the limited availability of classic instruments, pipemakers and reedmakers are faced with limited historic information on which to model one's work. NPU has undertaken a measurement project with the support of the CRAFTS COUNCIL OF IRELAND to address this need. The first phase of the project required com- missioning of a comprehensive set of bore probes. To this end, a set of nearly 200 delrin- tipped probes was fabricated for the project by Conor Roche-Lancaster. We were fortunate in being able to validate the probe dimensions and our measurement technique by comparing measurements of several bores using the new probes with measurements obtained previously with a different set of probes, and the results were very positive. Our initial budget permitted us to focus on two classic sets: a Leo Rowsome concert pitch set from the 1930s, courtesy of Gay McKeon, and a 19th century set in B attributed to Coyne, courtesy of Robbie Hannan. The sets were cho- sen on the basis of historic significance, near- ness to original condition, and playing characteristics. The fact that they are both cur- John Butler, Chris Coe and Bill Haneman

9

7

[Periodical]

2013-02-06T00:00:00

anonymous,guest,friend,member