Please Note: This page is not intended to be used as a 'how to' guide for those wishing to make their own
bagpipes. Its purpose is to give the prospective buyer an overview of what goes into their manufacture.
People sometimes ask what makes my pipes different from others they've seen advertised--especially
those on the Internet Auctions. The answer is, quite simply, Quality.
Each step is treated as the most important and if any one part isn't up to my standards ( mistakes do
sometimes happen ) it's rejected and replaced.
I begin with careful selection of all materials. Each piece of hardwood is hand selected and inspected
with an eye to beauty, grain, straightness, and checking. The wood is then cut to length and the pieces
are rough turned and center bored. Over the next few months, the parts are shaped a little at a time
allowing them to 'mellow' in between working. This is important since wood has a tendency to warp a
bit after being worked. If it does warp I want it to happen in my shop--not after it's been shipped.
As to turning, I use a standard wood lathe and turn each section one at a time. No computers. No fancy
copy rigs. No automated machinery. No imported parts. I do this to insure that each set of pipes is
unique. There will not be another one exactly like yours.
Next comes the bag. I start with the best cowhide I can obtain. Every bag that leaves my shop is hand
sewn and they are airtight before being seasoned. Depending on the style of bag, they take anywhere
from eight to twelve hours to sew.
After tying in the stocks, drone reeds are made and played for a few hours till they settle in. My drone
reeds are fabricated from acrylic tubing. They are virtually trouble free, stable, and last for years.
Now the finger holes in the chanter are drilled, a reed is selected and the chanter is fine-tuned.
During the next few weeks, multiple coats of boiled linseed are applied to the exterior surfaces until a
hard finish and soft luster are achieved. ( Note: some customers prefer a low-luster French Polish ).
During this time, the set is played periodically to make sure everything is working right.
After a final cleaning of the blow stick with alcohol, a final polish of the wood, and one last oiling of the
bores, the pipes are ready to be packed and delivered.
There may be better sets out there. Doubtless, there are more expensive sets available. Few pipe
makers however, take the care and individual attention that I put into every instrument that leaves my
shop.
I take great pride in my work. Sure, it all takes longer but in the end the quality is worth it.