Synthetic Bags

Alternative synthetic materials are also used in the manufacture of pipe bags. Most notable is Gortex, a close weave synthetic material generally used in the manufacture of ski wear and for other outdoor, cold weather applications.

The Gortex pipe bag performs well under certain conditions, and is virtually maintenance free. It performs well under cool, damp conditions, however can be very troublesome in hot, dry conditions. On particularly hot, dry days it has a tendency to transfer very hot, dry air to the reeds

which become "super-heated". The pitch of the chanter can ascend to uncontrollable heights and the drones can become equally unmanageable. On such occasions, a piper may compensate for this by dumping water or ice into the bag before a performance. This will cool the air somewhat and provide much needed moisture to the reeds. It should be noted that this process is definitely more art than science.

The Ross Breathable Canister Bag set new standards in innovation when it was introduced. It has gained wide acceptance because of its superior abilities to control moisture inside the bag. The Ross Canister is a somewhat scientific and logical approach to the challenges of playing bagpipes in the many diverse climates around

the world. By means of conducting plastic hoses and a central canister, the Ross system allows you to regulate the amount of moisture going to each reed. It is made entirely of synthetic materials involving plastic hoses, a canister, hose clamps, and a synthetic (woven nylon) material bag.

The mechanics of the bag are simple. Air is blown into the bag through the blowpipe. The air must pass through a canister before entering the stocks and escaping through the various reeds. The canister is divided into 4 separate compartments, each containing a granular substance that either adds or removes moisture to the air prior to it coming into contact with the reeds. This granular substance is nothing more than a good quality of non-clumping "kitty-litter". The logic of the bag is that moisture will be taken out of the air by the kitty litter, keeping your reeds dryer for extended playing. If your pipes are inclined to become wet, either by climate or by the nature of the piper, it is an easy task to remove the canister, dry or change the contents, and then resume playing. By the same token, if the pipes are being played in a particularly hot, dry climate, it may be necessary to add a few drops of water to the kitty litter to maintain the right amount of moisture for your reeds. It is also possible to regulate each of the drones and chanter independently. By putting different amounts of kitty litter into the various compartments of the canister, you can treat your reeds differently, according to their specific needs. This is especially helpful for those who play a mixture of cane and plastic. This is also helpful in ensuring that your chanter reed receives the moisture it needs in order to play properly. A bit of experimentation is necessary to determine the right combination, both for the piper and for the various prevailing weather conditions. Pipers that I know and respect claim the following benefits from the Ross canister system: 1. Drones are much steadier 2. The bag is very comfortable 3. Easy to install and maintain 4. The bag is completely airtight 5. The bagpipe is more consistent, time after time One of the drawbacks of the Ross Canister bag is that "stops" can be tricky. Considerable technique and physical strength is necessary in order to get a clean cut-off. The manufacturer provides tips on stopping the pipes, and, not surprisingly, at least three manufacturers have invented special “plug” devices to assist pipers in achieving a clean cut-off. These plugs are comprised of a plastic housing, a rubber valve, and an elastic thread. The plugs are inserted into the bottom of each drone stock. Adjustments to the tension on the elastic thread are necessary to achieve proper performance. A very simple and less expensive “home” solution is to install small rubber valves directly to the nozzles leading from the canister. (Click here for a diagram and instructions) These valves, cut from a rubber tire tube, are fixed to the nozzle by means of an elastic thread that is looped through the valve, threaded through the middle of the nozzle, and then anchored to the bottom of the nozzle base. Adjust the tension to allow easy passage of air, however when the air flow is lessened, the valve should return to form a seal atop the nozzle. The conducting hose fits over valve and nozzle, keeping everything intact and aligned. Make sure that the valve is cut slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the conducting hose to allow for free operation when assembled. A word to the wise about ANYTHING that you insert into the stock or otherwise put inside a pipe bag. Please take the time to fully understand the mechanics of these contraptions and ensure that they are set-up properly. Otherwise you may experience negative consequences rather than benefits. Quite often I encounter problems with drone sound and behavior that relates back to plugs and other devices inserted into the bottom of stocks. The manufacturer also suggests that pipers dry the bag out completely after playing. The enzymes contained within our breath can break down the hydrophilic layer within the material that makes the bag both airtight and breathable. This will result in tiny bubbles of air escaping through the material. Again, if you spot a small area that is breaking down, turn the bag inside out and build a patch using silicone. It is not necessary to reinforce the patch with nylon mesh. Provided the area is not large, the patch will extend the life of the bag without negative consequences. You may want to install a water trap to collect water blown directly into the bag. These water traps collect moisture befoe it enters the bag and allows you to dump excess water from your blowpipe stock. This helps to further control water and probably extend the life if the bag.

Not surprisingly new innovations in pipe bags are appearing with more and more regularity. There are new moisture control systems and new bag designs/materials appearing all the time.  One of the latest innovations is a hybrid bag, constructed of both synthetic materials and leather.  I expect that the modern pipe bag will continue to evolve and that new standards will be set for comfort and functionality.

With respect to bags and other devices touted to "enhance" sound and performance, I have two concerns. 1) I believe some pipers, especially novice pipers, are attracted to innovations because they believe that it will make them a better piper. They may not. Each individual element of the bagpipe, both old and new, has its own unique characteristics and challenges. 2) It will be sad when the Great Highland Bagpipe has completely evolved beyond its historical beginnings.  New pipers may never experience the joy of playing a sheepskin bag and cane reeds.

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