Bob Whelan 0510815 Research Methods and Results Uilleann

Bob Whelan - 0510815 Research Methods and Results Uilleann Pipe Transport

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 cases Tom Delaney- Bagpiper case • Ruck sacks Eugene 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 Findings Absolute 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 Findings Desirable Features • • • Adjustability, expandability Quality fittings, zips catches etc. Longevity, as for pipes themselves Airport security streamlining Lockable/security feature Name plate

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