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Gavin took over his father's business in 1893. Changes were made to the bagpipe and some claim the
magic was lost. Gavin died in 1910 from pneumonia and the stock was apparently bought up by R. G. Lawrie
Bagpipes. Duncan MacDougall was never known to cut beads (grooves) into ferrules or rings. MacDougall
bagpipes seen with these features were probably made during Gavin's time.
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Brass sleeves in the tuning chambers can be found in some MacDougall bagpipes however not all. As well,
this feature was not exclusive to MacDougall bagpipes. Note the "key" which locks the sleeve into place.
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Stocks can be an important identifying feature. These stocks are typical of Gavin MacDougall bagpipes.
Note the smaller lower bead. It is somewhat "Henderson" in shape however much smaller and proportionate
to the overall size of the stock.
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This set was obviously restored. I'm not quite certain why the upper projecting mount on the tenor
bottom to the right is away from it's seat. I'm hoping that is was just a little loose and that it could
be snugged back into place with a little effort. While we're talking about the projecting mounts note
how they angle in and then flare out where they face the wood. Also, this appears to be marine ivory
which the MacDougalls were known to prefer which tends to crystalize in places as it ages.
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Here's a great close-up of the ferrule and projecting mount. The workmanship is superb. Duncan was
said to have a great dislike for African Blackwood, calling it "unsuitable" for the great highland bagpipe.
It is not uncommon to find Gavin MacDougall bagpipes made of ABW,
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Gavin also put some of his own styling into the cord beads. You can see some of the detail here. Also,
you'll see that he abandoned the wide channel between the beads, normally seen on his father's work.
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Here's a great close-up of the projecting mount.
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