Bagpipe Manufacturers

Bagpipe Manufacturers

by Tony Clark-Stewart
(Masterton N Z)

Is there a way of distinguishing various makers of bagpipes by counting the rings between ferrels on the drones.

If not how can you distinguish the various makes of bagpipes

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Jun 14, 2009
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Bagpipe Manufacturers Reply
by: Bill Robertson

The question is not easy to give straight answer to. However, there is a very good website that has great references on the Highland bagpipe. It is:Andrew Lenz’s Bagpipe Journey, then look at the list that appears and select “How to identify high quality bagpipes”, and below it “How to appraise etc.”

I find that when assessing a set of pipes look mainly for the uniformity of all the parts of the drones, blow piece, and stocks in the combing number of turns, and spaces; the bores looking clean, straight and matching, no sign of repairs, and fitting of drone reeds (bores not too wide etc., fitting) - Overall good looking workmanship and finish also to consider - Cracks etc. are obvious too. Test with well tried and true drone reeds in each of the drone listening for a known good quality of the sound when testing mouth-blown through the drone.

I came across in the past when testing a silver and ivory set of pipes with high asking price from a dealer that had mismatching drone parts that could be seen in the combing alone. You could also search under the Piper and Drummer (Canada) internet magazine for back issues or references on identifying the different makes of pipes that I saw some years ago. It was very good and illustrated with photographs relevant.

Another way is to search under makes of bagpipes or the like.

I trust this helps. If I can be of help otherwise, do not hesitate to ask.
Regards,
Bill

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Jun 14, 2009
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Submitted by: Bill Robertson

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The question is not easy to give straight answer to. However, there is a very good website that has great references on the Highland bagpipe. It is:<a href="http://www.bagpipejourney.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Andrew Lenz’s Bagpipe Journey</a>, then look at the list that appears and select “How to identify high quality bagpipes”, and below it “How to appraise etc.” I find that when assessing a set of pipes look mainly for the uniformity of all the parts of the drones, blow piece, and stocks in the combing number of turns, and spaces; the bores looking clean, straight and matching, no sign of repairs, and fitting of drone reeds (bores not too wide etc., fitting) - Overall good looking workmanship and finish also to consider - Cracks etc. are obvious too. Test with well tried and true drone reeds in each of the drone listening for a known good quality of the sound when testing mouth-blown through the drone. I came across in the past when testing a silver and ivory set of pipes with high asking price from a dealer that had mismatching drone parts that could be seen in the combing alone. You could also search under the Piper and Drummer (Canada) internet magazine for back issues or references on identifying the different makes of pipes that I saw some years ago. It was very good and illustrated with photographs relevant. Another way is to search under makes of bagpipes or the like. I trust this helps. If I can be of help otherwise, do not hesitate to ask. Regards, Bill

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