Archive

Here’s a hot topic! Do I buy a domestically made bagpipe or an import? These comments are intended for those who are purchasing a wood bagpipe only. Delrin is off the table for the sake of this installment. So why is this even a consideration? 1. Impact on the wood (shrinkage and morphing) 2. After-purchase […]

There are so many points of view regarding what to buy as your first bagpipe that it easily becomes both overwhelming and an exercise in frustration. One only has to venture onto any of the retail or resale sites on the Internet to experience the wide range of instruments for sale and an equally wide […]

One only has to ask “What bagpipe should I buy?” to be overwhelmed by well-meaning and diverse responses from around the globe. Just about every piper has an opinion and you will be hard-pressed to identify a consensus among them. You will receive recommendations regarding just about every brand of bagpipe currently being made, as […]

Several years ago I was invited to conduct a workshop for a non-competition band. I hadn’t worked with this band before and really had no idea of what to expect. I attended a function the night before where the band had been hired to put on a performance. This was actually very helpful in understanding […]

The search seems never-ending for the ultimate set of drones. It seems that everyone is looking for that perfect set that will stand out among all others. The Holy Grail of bagpipes. Well, maybe it’s already on your shoulder! In my experience, two common practices today are greatly compromising the sound and performance of bagpipes. […]