Larry................I love ya.................you know I do, my brother.........but there are a number of fine pipemakers in this country. Quinn/Kohler come to mind immediately. Seth makes a wonderful instrument, the equal of any sets being made in the world today. But there are a number of makers who make just as good a pipe. In fact, I am shocked that he only has a 12 to 18 month wait. Quinn/Kohler are 3 years. There are a number of others. And that is just in this country. I would advise you to take your time, Chris. Investigate carefully. If Davey Spillane is making pipes again (he served a full apprenticeship), you can bet that they will be excellent. And Seth Gallagher is a world class pipebuilder, as good as any out there.