 
First of all, we should talk about the size of the bag. Generally speaking a medium size bag will suit
those between 5' 8" and 6' tall. Ross bags tend to run a little bigger so you might want to move the
parameters up two or three inches. Selection of the pipe bag is very important to the comfort of the
piper. It is equally important in how the bagpipe will perform. Look for well-made bags, with even stitching
and well finished details. As with any manufactured product, quality of craftsmanship shows and is a
good indication that the product will perform up to your expectations. Pipe bags generally come in small,
medium, and large sizes. Bags can be custom built if required. All pipe bags will stretch, some slightly,
some dramatically, so test the sizes on a bag that has been played for a period of time to determine
the size most comfortable for you.
Tying stocks into the bag
All stocks should be
properly secured to your new pipe bag. Some bags, like Ross bags, are manufactured with pre-determined
stock holes. Securing your stocks to these bags may involve hose-clamps, black electrical tape, and other
items not used with leather bags. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or to consult
with a knowledgeable associate who is experienced in these matters.
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Hide bags must be measured, cut, and precisely tied in to ensure performance and comfort. The middle
drone stock is positioned in the center, top of the bag, usually determined by folding the bag front
to back and marking the top fold. The other stocks are positioned as in the pictures herein. A rule of
thumb is to position the bass stock 3" from the top of the bag and 1" forward of center. The outside
tenor stock is positioned (on the opposite side of course) 3" from the top of the bag and 1/2" aft of
center. The blowpipe stock is positioned 1/2" from the top of the bag on the right side of the bag, halfway
between the middle of the bag and the neck end.
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There are a few individuals that recommend reversing the angle of the drones, especially for young pipers.
The reverse angle positions the tenor drones away from the piper's arm, making it easier to reach the
chanter with your left hand. This is an excellent concept. I have not played or tied-in a bag as such
and would recommend that you seek someone who has prior to trying it yourself. If possible, play a set
tied in as such to judge the feel and comfort prior to making any commitment. Ask your pipe maker or
Pipe Major for his recommendation.
When the bag has been marked, cut diagonally across the center
position with a sharp knife or cut a circle slightly smaller than the circumference of the top of stock
to be tied in. Be sure that your cuts do not exceed the circumference of the top of the drone stock to
be inserted. Another method is to insert the drone, position the top of the drone against the position
mark, and cut until the bag can be forced down over the top of the stock.
Once the cuts have been
made, insert the stock into the open "mouth" of the bag (at the neck) and push the stock up through the
cut opening. The leather will stretch tightly around the stock. The stock is tied at a point below the
cuts where the indentation occurs in the stock.
Great care must be used to tie the stock
to the bag. The twine must be quite strong. If the pipe bag supplier does not supply twine, a substitute
may be made with hemp. Using cobblers wax, resin at least ten strands of hemp, each one being perhaps
ten or fifteen yards in length. Twist the strands together making a single rope of the strands. A piece
about twenty inches in length should be cut off, set aside, and used a herein described. The remainder
should be wound onto a flat stick with smooth edges. I use a piece of 1 x 4 maple with the edges rounded
off.
A length about three or four feet should be peeled off the stick. The stick should then
be placed on the floor for you to stand on. Start with a half hitch and insert the stock. Pull the stock
and twine up from the floor, making the hitch snug around the stock. Now twist the stock, wrapping the
twine around the stock as you twist, keeping pressure on the twine by pulling upwards or straightening
up.
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After one or two circuits of the stock, double the twenty inch length and place it directly under where
the twine is meeting the stock. The loop should be extended only about one inch. Continue to twist the
stock and wrap the twine several times over this loop. Holding the twine against the stock with your
thumb cut the twine leaving enough to pass through the loop by about three inches. Grasping the loose
ends of the twenty inch length, pull the loop and three-inch end under the several wraps of twine. The
stock should now be securely tied into the bag now.
The chanter stock is the most difficult stock
to make airtight, as you are tying over the leather welt. Proceed as described above. Place small "packing
pieces" on either side of the welt, to assist in making the seal airtight. These packing pieces are usually
just small strips of leather, rolled into a barrel about one inch long, positioned under the first strand
of tying-in twine.
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This method is the easiest, fastest, and best way of tying in a hide pipe bag. There are no knots to
rub and wear holes in the hide or to loosen and fall out. You are using more of your overall body strength
rather than arm strength to tighten the wrap. Using this method, it is possible to expertly tie-in a
pipe bag in about twenty minutes.
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