|
R. G. Hardie learned his bagpipe making skills from Robert Reid. After WWII he had a brief business
relationship with Jack Dunbar and Piobmor Highland Industries before opening his own business in 1950.
Hardie Bagpipes enjoyed great popularity and demand in the 1950's, 1960's and early 1970's. Hardie
chanters also won several World Championships during those year and are still greatly respected by solo
pipers.
|
|
Here's a wonderful example of a 1950's vintage Hardie bagpipe with catalin fittings. Once upon a time
these were plentiful however you see fewer and fewer each year. The dark orange catalin holds a special
appeal to me as it speaks so richly of the era in which they were built. Of course, the catalin would
have started its life being pure white!
|
|
Here's another close-up of the tops. Note the treatment of the cord beads. Very similar to Henderson
but not quite! Of course, the bores were nothing like Henderson and neither was the sound.
|
|
Hardie acquired Henderson around 1970 and there are bagpipes out there stamped Henderson that are Hardie
bagpipes inside and out. It wasn't long afterwards that Hardie focused on their own brand and dropped
the Henderson brand altogether.
|
|
