The Bagpipe Society

Passing on Instrument Making Skills

In response to my offer of a free course in woodwind instrument making, Jesus Molleja, arrived at my workshop at the end of March. We discussed his learning requirements and decided that, as he was most in need of tuning techniques, we would make a recorder.

We started with a discussion about sourcing and seasoning of suitable timbers and Jesus plumped for Holm Oak for his recorder. The way I work is to make two instruments, one made by me and the other by the student. I carry out every operation with a detailed description of the work and the reasons for my techniques and then the student does the same operation with me looking over their shoulder giving support.

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