PIPE-MAKING
Bespoke Instruments by Patrick Martin
I offer hand-made instruments – keyless flutes, wooden whistles, practice sets of uilleann pipes.
I am experienced in carrying out refurbishment and repairs to uilleann pipes and highland bagpipes. Reeds can be made for uilleann pipers – get in touch if you are having reed trouble.
I have a background in engineering and woodworking, and have always had a passion for building instruments. Back in my twenties I gained a good reputation for servicing uilleann pipes including reeds, simply through word of mouth. My thirties saw me explore uilleann pipe making, keyless flute-making, whistle-making and even speculation and a little experimenting with highland bagpipe making.
I actually feel comfortable across all disciplines – it is sometimes a matter of market opportunities and demand which pulls me in a particular direction. The highland pipes market is very well catered for, wooden whistles have a niche market perhaps, but seem slow to sell…..I think provision of quality uilleann pipes and Irish flutes are the most viable craft business in this country. I think repair, reeds and maintenance is also a worthy and necessary service…..
In 2019 I had the opportunity to study pipe-making and flute-making through Ballyfermot College of Further Education, in conjunction with Na Piobairi Uilleann. The NPU Pipe-craft training centre at Clonshaugh was available for this course, tuition was provided by Hammy Hamilton (flutes) and Joe Walsh (pipes).
The extensive course also covered traditional music, tunes, live gigs, music industry and more.
I quite enjoy working on highland pipes, which I’ve played for almost 35 years, I lately play some of my own drone reeds in them – wood bodies with polycarbonate tongues.
I continue to experiment with designs and materials.
Price List
(current at July 2020)
Uilleann practice sets €1,250
Keyless Flutes €600
Wooden whistle €290
Uilleann chanter reed €45
Paddy – what can I say? Thank you so much for the diamond wood whistle that arrived today – What a wonderful surprise! Max loves it as well! For anyone out there looking for a hand made whistle you could not fault Patrick Martin’s work. The rosewood whistle I ordered off him has the softest and most beautiful sound. You could all order whistles and flutes – spend the summer learning and give the faerys a wee treat! – Ursula Burns
“Thank you very much the flute is amazing best birthday present I ever got!!!! You are a master!!!!!!” - Louise McGinnity
