Your opinion, please...

[beloitpiper]

I like the Black Stewart, personally.

I think this thread would be greatly improved with a poll.

[Chef]

I like the Black Stewart... probably since I own two of them.

As far as the rest. Since you are buying off the rack kilts to start everyone can get their own. If you eventually move up to better kilts get them from one kiltmaker after deciding on how you want them.

Your accessories should all be the same and you can do that on the cheap if necessary. Get white hose, this as a band so they work. If you all have ghilles great if not wear wingtips if everyone can't afford ghillies right now. The kilts from SWK come with flashes, but consider getting some solid colour flashes from him, it look smore military. If you do all have ghillies make sure everyone ties them properly so they look the same.

Decide on a colour shirt and tie. White is the best but not the only choice. I would stay with white for now so that you can still get the same shirt if you add members down the road. Get the same brand so they look alike. Get the same sporran, you can get simple black ones from SWK for $15.95. Since you should have a jacket or waistcoat get a waistcoat (it covers ill fitting shirts nicely) and then you can skip the expense of a belt. You can find any colour you want HERE. They are basic waiters vests. We use them for some of our events. They aren't fancy but they will finish the outfit for $15. Also the company is very quick.

Once you have these you can always upgrade, to fancier and better as you go on and money allows. The first thing I would get would be real kilts. Even with inexpensive accessories it will make all the difference. You can then get them pleated to the stripe (SWK's are pleated to the sett) which helps any band look better. The next step would be the ghillies.

Truth be told, you could probably put this together for under $200 a person if you had to. It won't be the best you could buy but you would look like a band.

[MacWage]

BIG question:

Is this for a PERSONAL kilt or a "band kilt?"

If personal: up to you and YOUR tone preference.

IF band: Are the band members all clergy/nuns/monks/etc.?
If so-> CLERGY! THAT would be a VERY cool "selling point" for the band, a "unique element."
If not-> I would say Black Stewart, for the simple reason that the clergy has the "church clergy ties."

[Moosedog]

PDN,

SWK still has bundles of "second"economy sporrans on their clearance section.

Moosedog

[pipesndrumsnun]

Chef...thanks for the link!! Very cool and great idea!
MacWage...an all nun bagpipe band would be VERY cool! Unfortunately, I'm the only "pipesndrumsnun" I know. We have some nun organists, pianists, and guitar players....but those pianos and organs are just too difficult to push down the street!
Moosedog...thanks for the heads up!

[Cage]

I think I'd vote for the "Black Stewart".
Too bad the "Michigan Up North" isn't more readily available.

[Chef]

Chef...thanks for the link!! Very cool and great idea!

Your welcome, should have mentioned the site I gave you has a ladies version of the same waistcoat. The look identical but the fit better...on women that is.

[fluter]

Having heard the rest of the story, I have to add: I'd love to see a band in Night Stalker kilts! I don't think you could go wrong with any of your tartan picks.

SWK's economy sporran is just fine. For $9 more, the nylon Night Stalker is much more useful. It has big zipper compartment, zippered flap pocket, biggish pocket under flap with Velcro fastener.

[Chef]

For $9 more, the nylon Night Stalker is much more useful. It has big zipper compartment, zippered flap pocket, biggish pocket under flap with Velcro fastener.

But this is for a band, they are better off with a traditional sporran.

[Moosedog]

We have some nun organists, pianists, and guitar players....but those pianos and organs are just too difficult to push down the street!
:

PND,
I finally solved this "problem" by taking up the accordion.

Hm, now that would be something, a kilted accordion band!

Moosedog

PS oops, sorry for hijack.