Bagpipes, Plastic or Wood ? Part 1

I think the time has come to discuss seriously the choices being made by pipers at the present time regarding the material being used in the manufacture of bagpipes. Every major pipe-maker is offering sets made in various kinds of plastic as well as their classic range in wood, for the most part, African Blackwood, a species now under tight control.

Drones in material other than wood are not new. For many years, the Glens’ bagpipe shop at the top of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh displayed a bagpipe made entirely in gilded brass. This was one of two made for an Indian Maharaja who wanted a heavily ornate engraved gold plated bagpipe. Glen was surprised at the quality of the sound produced and made a second set for himself. I had the distinction of hearing this set played by Andrew Ross at a Saint Andrew’s Society dinner in Edinburgh and I can tellyou they had a good sound. I had a conversation with Ross on that occasion and he toldme pointedly that « You can make bagpipes out of camel shit as long as the bore is correct. This point of view (minus the camel shit) is shared by the world famous Breton pipe-maker, Pierre Blanchet whose strict replica sets of vintage bagpipes are second to none. It is the bore which counts.

We have a little problem, however with the bore of wooden pipes, because this material is not stable. The wood continues to shift, expanding and contracting over the years. Obviously poorly seasoned woods are highly subject to this. Northumbrian craft pipe_makers often recommend their customers to return their instrument after a year to have the bores checked and rectified where necessary. I have never heard of a Scottish pipe-maker offering this service.

The fact that one major Scottish pipe-maker now proudly announces that it can place metal tubes inside the drones to protect from warping and other accidents. This practice was carried out last century apparently for British Army pipers stationed in tropical climates to protect aagainst heat, humidity and even termites ! Interestingly, once the metal tubes have beeen put into place,you are effectively using non-wooden drones. Another reputable maker now offers plastic tops for his wooden practice chanters as the wooden ones were splitting regularly. The same maker had a silver and ivory set displayed on on a wall, but the silver ferrules had slipped from their original position and were all now nestling on the projectic mounts below. When this was drawn to his attention he shrugged his shoulders as if to say….what more do you expect.

To be continued……..

Andrew