The Tools of an Uilleann Pipe-Maker
John Butler demonstrates some of the tools he uses to build uilleann pipes — a traditional Irish instrument that is notoriously difficult to make, and to play.
Dear Friends,
Today we have a new multimedia interview for you featuring craftsman and musician John Butler, maker of the Irish uilleann pipes.
For those unacquainted, traditional Irish pipes (which stand apart from their Scottish cousins in several important ways) have been enlivening gatherings and musical performances since the mid-1700s. The unique method of playing this instrument—which can only be done seated, and has been compared to “hugging an octopus”—involves operating a complex system of bellows with one’s elbows. (Mini spoiler: uilleann, which is pronounced something like “ILL-un,” translates to "elbow" in Gaelic.)
If the uilleann pipes sound like a challenge to play, you can imagine how demanding they must be to build. The work is so meticulous and complex that most pipe-makers still fashion their own, custom hand tools (though, as Butler points out, they also use modern luxuries like electric lathes, which helps speed the production process).
I hope you’ll enjoy watching and listening as pipe-maker John Butler demonstrates some of the tools and craftsmanship behind these mesmerizing instruments, and treats us to a mini concert as well. This 4-minute slideshow wraps up our April them: the role that tools play in an artisan’s work.
To learn more about the history and craft of uilleann pipes, see our popular profile of Butler, “Do the Most Interesting Musical Pipes Come from Ireland?” It’s written by the very talented Larry Gallagher, and photographed by the equally talented Ruth Carden.
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Sincerely,
Todd Oppenheimer
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Craftsmanship Magazine
“The Secrets of Mastery” is a series of brief, intimate conversations with artisans, innovators, and other pioneers about what it takes to master their craft, and why handmade matters. It’s available only to our paid subscribers here on Substack. For just $6/month or $60/year, you’ll get access to the entire series, including previous episodes, along with other premium features we have in the works.
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