Contrary to popular belief, the bagpipe does not only originate from Scotland; its origins date back to Ancient Egypt. In fact, there are more than a hundred different types of bagpipes all over the world.
Here is a small selection of the best models on the market, as well as advice on how to choose the bagpipe that will be yours.
Rosewood Scottish bagpipe
Delivered with its own carrying bag and detailed instruction manual, this Pride of Scotland bagpipe has everything you need; it offers a quality worthy of the best brands on the market and 100% satisfaction among its users.
Perfect for amateur players looking for a reliable and high-performance instrument, it is easy to adjust, whether with the help of the booklet or one of the many tutorials published on Youtube. In only ten minutes or so, you will be able to produce the sounds so characteristic of it.
Made of rosewood, this traditional bagpipe has beautiful natural finishes and delicate silver ornaments that give it a chic and elegant look. Not to mention its pocket with typical tartan patterns made of navy blue and black. A complete and efficient model that will delight more than one.
Tartan bagpipe ideal for beginners
As aesthetic as it is practical, this traditional rosewood bagpipe model is an ideal alternative, particularly adapted to beginners who wish to invest in the purchase of their very first instrument and learn to play the bagpipe.
Of course, the first use will require a few (long) minutes of assembly, but once set up, you will be able to enjoy your bagpipe at any time. Supplied with all the necessary accessories (reed cane, synthetic reeds, …) and a soft and practical carrying case, you will have no trouble taking it with you on your travels and escapades.
Its finishes are excellent for a model in this price category, even if some reeds can be replaced, if you wish, for a better sound.
Traditional bagpipe with silver tip
With this great tartan bagpipe made of rosewood, we are here in the presence of a traditional instrument that is perfectly adapted to beginners and/or the most limited budgets.
An affordable model, certainly, but one that has not skimped on the quality of the materials used and the elegance of the finishes: its pocket with traditional red tartan patterns, its delicately designed silver tips, or its reeds made of natural rosewood wood, have something to please bagpipe lovers.
One can regret, however, the absence of a user manual, which makes learning difficult. Like the rest of the models on the market, this traditional bagpipe is delivered with all the necessary accessories, as well as a carrying bag.
Cheap bagpipe for children
Economical and practical, this Royal Steward small bagpipe model is an original gift idea for children, whether they are passionate about Scottish and/or Breton music, or are just looking for a different and educational toy – be careful, though, since it is a beautiful object that produces a real sound, which therefore goes beyond the simple toy.
Since it resembles like two drops of water to the “real” traditional bagpipes that can be found on the market, it will delight the little ones who love to imitate the big ones. Rosewood reeds, pocket with traditional tartan patterns, colorful pompoms, everything is there. This bagpipe for children will not disappoint you.
What is a bagpipe?
Traditionally linked to the shepherds and the country tradition, the bagpipe is often seen, wrongly, as a musical instrument inseparable from the Celtic folklore (Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, …) and its military parades.
However, if its origins remain unclear and difficult to determine, it is clear that traces of this instrument can be found as early as Ancient Greece and Egypt; its geographical area of influence actually extends from all of Europe to the Caucasus, via the Persian Gulf and Northern India.
Nicknamed “gaita” in the Basque Country, or “biniou” in Brittany – even if they are somewhat different models – the bagpipe is part of the family of wind musical instruments.
It consists of a sheepskin bagpipe (now replaced by fabric and/or synthetic pockets), and several reeds that receive and/or serve as an air outlet. It is by the pressure of the armpit on the wineskin that the air outlets produce the sounds so characteristic of the traditional bagpipe.
How to choose your bagpipe?
Before embarking on this adventure, keep in mind that the bagpipe is one of the most difficult instruments to learn. If you intend to practice it only once or twice a week, there are risks so that you will not get any results and you will quickly get discouraged.
So if you are a complete beginner in the field, you should choose the models provided with a detailed learning and user manual. If your budget allows it, don’t hesitate to take a few lessons, at the beginning, to familiarize yourself with the instrument and its functionalities.
When it comes to buying a bagpipe, don’t hesitate to always turn to the highest quality model, as far as you can: ebony or rosewood, natural finishes, silver tips, ….. The difference in sound and performance is incomparable. Therefore privilege the brands that are renowned in their field, and avoid counterfeits coming from Asia (mainly Pakistan).
Discover the bagpipe in video
There is no shortage of bagpipe videos on Youtube. As you can hear, bagpipe music quickly reminds us of the Anglo-Saxon countries and the great green valleys.