I'm sure it's been discussed before. But it needs reiterating that:

(1) Don't buy a set without playing them. If you can't play yourself, find someone who can and get them to try them. don't even look at the mass produced Asian ones.

(2) Best be close to the maker if they are new. They'll almost certainly need adjustment that he knows how to do for his sets. He may even show you the tricks he's found (though unlikely).

(3) It's much easier if you have someone nearby to teach or at least mentor you.

(4) Learn to make reeds. Alan Moller does a good video tape.

(5) Don't be over- ambitious. Get a half set maximum to start with. Play slowly and deliberately, and don't expect to outdo Maddy Poloney in the first fortnight.

(42) Remember it's music, and therefore about enjoyment, not a competition, and the pipes aren't a posing prop either.