At Kilts & More, we have been playing the instrument most closely associated with the Scottish Highlands for many years. This experience gives us a deep understanding of the questions and needs of both beginners and professionals. We are happy to offer you expert advice and support in all aspects of playing the bagpipes – from customizing your individually tailored bagpipe to providing useful accessories, learning materials, and music collections. Even after you purchase your instrument, we are available to assist with any questions or support you may need.
The drones and blowsticks of bagpipes made by these manufacturers are traditionally crafted from blackwood, an African hardwood that is ideal for this instrument. Bagpipe makers also offer bagpipes made from polypenco, a synthetic material that is acoustically almost indistinguishable from blackwood but comes at a significantly lower price. These very durable and robust bagpipes are particularly appealing to beginners.
The chanters, the melody pipes of the bagpipes, can also be made from either polypenco or blackwood. Additionally, the various models differ in their decorations, known as combs & beadings (engraved grooves), as well as in the material and design of their fittings, such as ring caps, ferrules, and slides. These can be made from metal, imitation ivory, or even silver. For every model, you can configure your individual setup, choosing whether you want a bag made from leather or Goretex material, which reeds you prefer for drones and chanters, or even the type of moisture control system you would like. Finally, you can select your favorite fabric cover from a variety of colors and matching cords for the drones.
Don’t let the wide range of options overwhelm you – we are happy to assist you in customizing your unique bagpipe at every step, ensuring you receive an instrument that not only sounds great but is also tailored to your personal preferences and needs.
The range of different "small" pipes can be very confusing. Alongside newer and more modern developments, such as the Folk Pipe by McCallum, which resembles a smaller version of the Great Highland Bagpipe, or the easy-to-blow Wee Pipe, designed especially for children with its smaller chanter, we also carry traditional types of bagpipes with a long history, such as the Smallpipe or the so-called Highland Musette, which was already played during the Baroque era.
Apart from the significantly lower volume of all "small" pipes, which makes them ideal for playing in an apartment, some of these pipes also differ from the Great Highland Bagpipe by being playable with a bellows. Some, like the Highland Musette or the Reelpipe, feature not only drones in "A" but also additional drones in other tunings, allowing for new musical possibilities.
Many pipers use instruments from this category to have an option for playing and practicing regardless of the time of day or their living situation. While smallpipes, musettes, and similar instruments are excellent practice tools for Great Highland Pipers, many of these "small" pipes also have much greater standalone musical potential. Are you looking for a pure practice instrument? Then consider a "goose," a practice bagpipe consisting only of a bag, blowstick, and chanter, which allows you to practice the steady pressure control required for playing.
Initially, electronic chanters, such as the Fagerstrom Electronic Chanter, were designed solely as practice instruments. Today, this segment includes many fully-featured electronic musical instruments with numerous features and virtually unlimited possibilities. Even the upgraded version of the Electronic Chanter, the compact Technochanter, offers features such as different sound options for Highland Bagpipe, Smallpipe, or medieval bagpipe, adjustable drone sounds, a built-in metronome, recording capabilities, and various other customizable settings.
The legendary DegerPipe, with its distinctive design resembling a practice chanter, is considered by many to be the ultimate in electronic piping. Its small "control panel" makes this electronic chanter very easy to use, and its practice-chanter-like form creates a familiar feeling for players, making it perfect for both practice and performance.
The Blair Digital Chanter represents another milestone in electronic piping. With its sleek and modern design, it offers a highly realistic bagpipe playing experience, featuring incredibly lifelike sounds for Highland Bagpipe, Smallpipe, and even Uilleann Pipes. The Blair Digital Chanter includes touch-sensitive fingerholes, customizable settings, and the ability to connect via Bluetooth for recording or amplification, making it an excellent choice for both practice and professional use.
Redpipe offers a dedicated range of fully-featured instruments suitable for both practice and professional performances. These instruments continually evolve to meet all conceivable needs, from the basic model with a multitude of settings and controls, to the "Caledonia" model, which combines elements of electronic pipes with a pneumatic function operated through a blowstick, to medieval-style bagpipes, Galician gaitas, and many more. Professional pipers will find highly specialized instruments for every possible use in this product line.
The Uilleann Pipes, also known as the Irish bagpipes, are a unique and sophisticated member of the bagpipe family, renowned for their rich, melodious tone and exceptional versatility. Unlike other bagpipes, Uilleann Pipes are played using a bellows strapped to the arm, allowing for precise control of airflow and making them less physically demanding to play. They are deeply rooted in Irish musical tradition and are often heard in both traditional and modern Irish music.
Uilleann Pipes come in various configurations, ranging from practice sets for beginners to fully equipped sets with drones and regulators for advanced players. These instruments are capable of producing a wide range of notes, making them ideal for solo performances as well as ensembles. Whether you’re new to piping or an experienced player looking for a sophisticated instrument, the Uilleann Pipes offer a timeless connection to Ireland’s rich musical heritage.