Many vintage aficionados consider John Center one of the greatest pipemakers, ranking in both tone and craftsmanship along with Duncan MacDougall, David Glen and Henry Starck. He made pipes in Edinburgh from 1869 to 1908, moving with his son James to Melbourne in the last few years of his life.

He favoured cocuswood as the material of choice for his sticks. His pipes are superbly crafted, and display a refined, buzzy tone about half way been the more robust MacDougall and the subdued Glen. The bass is full and dominant, and the pipes are very steady.

This set is pristine but for the blowstick, which was missing and has been replaced with an ebony replica. While the set has been refinished, there are no cracks or repairs. The mounts are ivory, and the pipes come with the original chanter displaying maker’s the name as “J Center Edinburgh.”

The set is a gorgeous artifact and a lovely instrument.

Email me about this set.

As shown, sticks only, with original chanter
CAD $3,250, plus shipping

Set up to play – Ross Bag, MCC2 solo blackwood chanter, Canning drone reeds, bag cover, cords.
CAD $3,900 plus shipping