-Most sets include a 5-10 year warranty
Cons:
-Maintenance is required with wood pipes (oiling the bores & outside, drying the pipes before they are put away)
-Wood can crack due to changes in moisture
-It swells and shrinks from moisture and temperature changes which can effect performance (ie. hot and/or humid day)
-African Blackwood is currently listed as an endangered species so CITES permits are now required for exporting for commercial purposes.
Plastic/Polypenco/Delrin
Pros:
-Ease of maintenance (no oiling necessary)
-Lower cost
-Does not crack from moisture
-Better performance in tough conditions (ie. Adganistan)
-Durable (can take more abuse like bumping)
-Some sets include a 10 year or longer warranty
-No permit requirements
Cons:
-Moisture build-up if you are a wet blower. It doesn't absorb any condensation like wood
-Not as traditional looking
-Doesn't have the same rich tone as blackwood (although most beginners can't tell)
Things to Remember:
-It is the set up of the reeds and the player, not the material of the pipes, which primarily influence the sound of the pipes
-Many people can't tell the difference between plastic and wood from the same maker until they get up close to them
-The CITES permit regulations for musical instruments containing African Blackwood are under review and may be changed before the end of the year.
