Looking into pipes...

[OC Richard]

I'm also not a fan of imitation ivory, and these have a classic, universal look.

Very true! I too hate imitation ivory (and imitation horn) and I'd much rather have an all-metal-mounted set.

I used to have an old set of Lawries, probably from the 1950's, that looked just like your McCallum there except lacking the slides.

Nickle slides were uncommon in the old days, and the basic sets with blackwood projecting mounts usually had plain wood slides, nickle ferrules, and either nickle caps or ivory rings at the top.

Here's my blackwood Dunbars fully mounted in aluminum. Inexpensive, lightweight bling.

[Ogden_Piper]

I play McCallum AB3's and I love them!!

First, you'll hear people talk them down like they are El Cheapo or not as good as other Brands. But, I am a Working guy with kids and a Mortgage and I need a set of pipes that sound Great at a Great price. I have had mine for a little over a year and a half, and after I get them warmed up, they stay locked in tune.. I play tons of gigs every year and also play with a Pipe Band, and I get complements all the time for my tone and sound.. I say, if you have a small budget, go with McCallum's, you can always resell them later and pretty much get what you paid for them.

My 2 cents