Rogge Snakewood 4-Key Uilleann Half Set, D

A well-made half set with well-made reeds, believed to date from the early 2000s, tuned to A440 and in playing condition. The chanter sounds a hard bottom D with a warm tone. With four keys (F natural, G sharp, B flat and C natural) it plays chromatically over two octaves, and the keys work in the second octave as well. A small screw on the back D adjusts the pitch of middle D with a fingernail, which makes setup quick.

The chanter reed is slightly stiff, and its tone is a little bright with a slight edge; it will round out and soften with regular playing. Its bridle is held in position with PTFE tape so the setting holds in dry winter air. The G is more sensitive to bag pressure than the other notes: it wants steadier pressure than usual and jumps sharp if the pressure drops too far. That is likely to settle as the reed plays in, and a rush set just below the G hole is a simple adjustment if needed.

The bass, baritone and tenor drones sit in a common stock, tuned in octaves on D and balanced with the chanter. The tenor drone's bell is missing the small insert that narrows its exit. The reed has been positioned so the drone plays in tune without it, though the tenor tunes farther in on its slide than the bass and baritone, leaving less room for adjustment, and it is a touch louder. Replacing the insert brings the volume back down and restores the usual tuning range.

All joints are tight, the bag and bellows are airtight, and the valves work well; the bellows valve operates quietly. The chanter is set up for a shutoff key, with the key blocks in place, though no key is installed. The stock is bored for all three regulators, and a metal slider for the bass regulator is already fitted.

Included are a spare chanter reed, which is workable and plays at a lower volume than the main reed and would benefit from a little more adjustment and playing in; spare wire for players who prefer a wire bridle to the U-shaped bridles; and a Highland pipe box that holds the full set. As set up, the pipes pack into the box with only the bass drone removed, and the drone stock stays assembled.

About the Maker

Andreas Rogge builds uilleann pipes at his workshop in Rottenburg am Neckar, in southwest Germany, which has been making them for more than forty years. He reportedly learned uilleann pipemaking from Matt Kiernan, and he makes other bagpipes as well, including French pipes. Players have historically waited several years for a Rogge set.