Smallpipes
History
Smallpipes are the descendents of the 16th century French mussette.They eventually evolved into the three drone, cylindrical bore small pipe of which we have numerous museum examples. During the 1980s a revival of this instrument was led by Collin Ross who had the insight to change the key from the original E flat to the most popular keys of D and A.
General
My pipes are inspired by both the traditional appearance of the 18th century pipes and the work done by the likes of Collin Ross .I use indigenous hard woods ,as in the early pipes and provide them in the keys of A,C and D with standard highland fingering. The mounts are only made of natural materials such as wood, vegetable ivory and horn. I use nickel silver as standard for the ferrules, brass can also be provided. Bellows blown pipes are recommended as there is no moisture and temperature changes which will cause the pitch to shift slightly.The mouth blown is still a good alternative for the highland piper who who still likes the feel of a full pair of lungs.
The reeds I have developed over the past few years provide a full warm rich tone.They are made of plastic ,I find this very stable with no compromise to tone.A cane reed can be fitted for those who prefer it.
Drones
The recommended drone combination is tenor baritone and base. Bass and two tenors can be provided .The combination sets give the option of the alto tuning to D and C, tenor giving A and G,the baritone D and E and an A and G bass. I use ezee drone reeds.
Bags and Bellows
My standard bag is made of pre-treated hide which does not require seasoning. This bag system gives you a completely air tight bag. The bellows are double skinned with vinyl on the inside and leather on the outer, this eliminates the need for seasoning .The leather is then glued and nailed to the plates. The plates are made of local and recycled hardwoods such as oak, ash, teak and larch.Bag covers can be provided in tweed.
Prices
Three drone set in either G, A, C, or D, hide bag nickel silver ferules and wood mounts.
- mouth blown £500
- bellows blown £550
G, A, C, D four drone combination set with two chanters (usually A/D or G/C ), hide bag ,nickel silver ferules and wood mounts.
- mouth blown £650
- bellows blown £700
Tweed bag cover £40 extra
Vegetable ivory (tagua nut) mounts £50 extra
Black buffalo or rams horn £50 extra
Chanter G, A, D or C £110
Sound Files
Below are some sound files of my smallpipes. The first file, Flowers of Edinburgh, is played on a D set.The second file is on an A set .Ronan Martin helps me out on the fiddle.The files are mp3, you may need to right click and save target depending which browser you are using.
flowers.mp3