As I had posted before...

Well maybe this is a challenge for Mark to have his "beginner pipes" evaluated and critiqued by one or two of the pipers we have on board here!
I understand the arguments posted by the "pipers" on this board, and I respect all of you for your ability. ( I play(ed) 3 instruments and sing, and though I have a practice chanter, I have not got the hang of it - though there is a "physical" problem I have to work around.)

There is almost no way pipes that sell for under $200.00 are going to match a "nice" set of beginner pipes, just as a cheap flute bought off the internet may not give the good tone needed that a good beginner flute would.

Cost and quality are ALWAYS factors, the better quality, the more work involved, therefore the higher cost.

Snob or not, a good piper SHOULD evaluate the inexpensive pipes, because a non-piper or a beginning piper does not have either the experience or the ear to know what should be the result of playing the instrument.

I also believe that you should not snub a vendor, just because of the cost of the product. There are always areas where quality can be made cheaper than others, and with proper instruction, and quality control, anything may be made at significant savings.

Mark at Frugal Corner is not trying to put one over on the customer - that would result in a very poor customer feedback, and in this day and age, a swift demise.

I agree with much of what the pipers here have said, but I applaud Mark for being willing to have them evaluated at all.