A Guide to Our Bagpipe Selection

Be sure to head to our "Product Sound Samples" page and listen to our range of bagpipes currently available: 

We currently carry 4 different brands of Highland Bagpipes. They are:

McCallum

Wallace

Shepherd

MacRae (which is a different model of McCallum)

Each of these instruments are produced by excellent makers and are played by some of the best in the world. There are slight differences in the design, tonal quality, and price between brands.

Plastic or Wooden Pipes. Is there a difference?:

A common question we get asked is "Do plastic pipes sound different than wooden pipes?". The answer is yes. While plastic pipes are more wear resistant and usually cost less, the tone that they produce is not quite the same as a wooden instrument nor do they react or stabilize the same. Many pipers will tell you plastic pipes have a more buzzy and dull tone rather than the lively and resonant sound that a wooden instrument can produce. They also accumulate moisture at a much greater level than wooden instruments since the plastic is not a fibrous material. While the sound difference might escape the less experienced ear, it is important to remember the gravity of your purchase. On our site, you can purchase McCallum and Wallace pipes in plastic models. 

It should also be noted that within a brand or maker, the sound quality will remain the same through their instruments. The changes in price are only because of external ornamentation which does not affect the inner bore size or dimensions. 

McCallum:

This maker offers one of the most consistent designs in the bagpipe world. McCallum are known for their stability, clean and sleek exterior, and compatibility with most products available. McCallum has produced an instrument that is not only adaptable and consistent, but is also in the highest demand amongst pipers across the world. McCallum bagpipes offers a complete package bringing stable and harmonic drones as well as a strong and adaptable pipe chanter combination. They are designed by excellent pipers such as Willie McCallum and Stuart McCallum.  We offer this instrument in several different styles with various mounts and engraving patterns. 

Wallace:

Offering a bold and pronounced bass drone with lovely harmonic tenors, Wallace bagpipes are also a favorite in the piping community. The attention to detail is evident not only in sound but in the handsome design and engraving. The Wallace bagpipe is played in numerous grade 1 pipe bands at the highest level of competition as well as renowned soloists across the globe. They also provide bagpipes for the world famous "Red Hot Chili Pipers" band and served Pipe Major Chris Armstrong of the grade 1 Scottish Power Pipe Band in the design of his own personal line of bagpipes. Wallace pipes continue to serve the piping world as a well known and reputable bagpipe maker. 

Shepherd:

Often known as a pioneer in the piping industry, Shepherd continues to hold its standard in the production of its instruments. The Shepherd bagpipe is easily recognizable in a group because of its iconic projecting mount style as well as it's tone. This instrument offers a warm and rich tenor sound with a robust bass drone. The Shepherd pipe chanter is perhaps the most well known parts of the instrument. The classic chanter design has won many world championship titles and continues to be played by bands like Scottish Power and Field Marshal Montgomery. Not only do they offer spectacular band tone but also a warm and sweet solo sound. Shepherd remains a favorite of many in today's piping world. 

MacRae:

McCallum came out with this new model of bagpipe in 2015 and has changed the game of modern bagpipe manufacturing. They are reproduced from an older style of bagpipes that belong to world renowned soloist and pipe major, Stuart Liddell. Stuart has always been known for his antique MacRae bagpipe throughout his career and with it, the amazing tone he was able to produce. The new model is an exact replica of Liddell's prize-winning bagpipe. Sporting beautiful engraving patterns and sleek combing and beading, the MacRae pipes look and sound professional. The new model continues to win prizes in both the solo and band circuit making the MacRae bagpipe one of the popular choices for a new instrument. 

Other notes:

We offer plastic versions of the instrument in both McCallum and Wallace bagpipes. These are an inexpensive alternative to purchasing a blackwood instrument. Your set can be customized to your liking including choice of bag cover, drone cords, pipe chanter, bag brand, blowpipe length, and reeds. Simply select from these choices on our website or specify when calling. You can always get in touch with us about any questions you might have regarding our bagpipes. 

Feel free to get in touch with us about any questions or comments!

• Call us on 800-426-7268
• Email us at: admin@jhiggins.net