Strabane craftsman keen to inspire the next generation

STRABANE Uilleann pipe maker Martin ‘Banba’ Gallen has announced that he is – for the most part – hanging up his reeds.

However, determined not to let the centuries-old craft fade away, Martin has confirmed he will be re-publishing his popular guide to chanter reed making — with hopes of inspiring the next generation of pipe-makers.

Simply titled ‘Reed Making,’ the guide was first published a decade ago, at a time when Martin was busy fulfilling made-to-order Uilleann pipes for customers across the globe. Now, having decided to redirect his focus towards other creative ventures, the local man believes the timing is right to reissue the book.

He said, “Ever since I posted up about my decision to move away from pipe-making, I’ve had loads of people asking me to re-publish the guide as they’re interested in seeing how it’s all done. This is not a one size fits all guide; this is just how I would make a reed for a pipe… Hopefully it may inspire the next generation.”

Martin’s decision to step back from the business has taken many by surprise. A well-known name in the traditional music community, he cited Brexit as the key factor that led to his change of direction.

“To be honest, Brexit has been a thorn in the side of the business ever since all these new arrangements came in, with the hassle in terms of paperwork and additional costs that came along with it; it just wasn’t worth it in the end having to try and count on suppliers and the quality of materials, it was all too much pressure. That isn’t to say I’m immediately stopping – or stopping altogether; I still have three years’ worth of orders to fulfil and I will do that. Also, I won’t make pipes ‘to order’, but will still keep my hand in the game a little bit on a more general basis.”

Martin’s book ‘Reed Making’ is available now at www.banbadesign.co.uk and is priced at £28.