I would just like to say that the Bob Essex bagpipes are the most
ingenious and totally effective music machine I have heard since
being introduced to the Mills Violano.  Both instruments are either
loved or hated; I love both.  In fact, the Amateur Organ Builders Group
are holding their pre-Christmas meet at the St Albans Organ Museum,
on the 26th of November, where the Mills Violano will be demonstrated.
Perhaps I will be able to persuade Bob to play the bagpipes as well.

Bob's bagpipe machine first appeared to me at the Rollcutter event
two years ago.  A few adjustments were needed then but this year it was
just amazing, and complete with Tammy, kilt and drum.  Who would have
thought that the microprocessor would ever make the humble piper
redundant?

Bob was one of the only other amateur organ builders in the UK when
I started fifteen or so years ago.  Although we are good friends we
both tend do our own thing, arriving at the same sort of outcome via
different methods.  So far I have not considered bagpipes, however
I have just returned from a week at the Midlands Model Engineering
Exhibition where it was most rewarding to see that amateur-built organs
not only entertained the public but also received First and Second and
Highly Commended awards.  See http://www.aobg.co.uk/

John Smith, Flitwick, UK