New or Used

Bagpipes may be purchased new from a manufacturer, or they may be bought 'second-hand.' A well-made set from a reputable maker, which generally implies a Scottish or North American maker, will retain their value and even appreciate in value over the years, if maintained in good condition. Older used bagpipes, in good condition, from reputable makers, such as Henderson, Lawrie, Hardie, Glen, etc. command premium prices. Some of these bagpipe makers are no longer in business and their pipes can be highly sought after.

Wood Or Plastic?

African Blackwood is considered to be the preferred material from which bagpipes are made, although there are various other perfectly acceptable woods such as cocobolo, which can be used to make bagpipes. A commercial plastic, 'Polypenco,' has been used for some years as an alternative to wood in the manufacture of bagpipes. Polypenco does not seem to have quite the tonal qualities of wood, although sound quality is quite acceptable for general pipe band use. Wooden bagpipes require regular applications of Bore Oil, both inside and out, to prevent splitting and cracking of the wood. This can be a tedious, although essential, job. Polypenco bagpipes do not require the application of bore oil, and require less maintenance than wooden bagpipes. Both wood and Polypenco bagpipes usually have waxed hemp bindings or joints, which provide the air-tight seal necessary between the various parts of the bagpipes. These hemped joints require periodic replacement.

Price and Condition

Price is often the ultimate determining factor in purchasing a set of bagpipes. There is often not much to choose from between a comparable new set and a good used set of bagpipes in terms of price. A more obvious price differential is between a plain, unornamented set and one having ivory and / or silver mountings. Again, in general terms, ornamentation does not necessarily mean an improvement in tonal quality, although these bagpipes may look more decorous. With used bagpipes, condition is very important. Attention should particularly be paid to the following items:

Cracks in the wood.
Strip the pipes down and remove hemp bindings to examine for cracks. Make sure to also check the stocks. Surface cracks which do not extend into the bore, or properly repaired cracks which are airtight are acceptable, although they may detract from the visual appeal of the instrument.

Mountings, ferrules, drone caps
check these are undamaged and securely fitted. Obviously, with an older used set of bagpipes, minor damage [ fair wear and tear] should not necessarily disqualify them from your consideration.

Hide or Synthetic Bag

If purchasing new, specify which type of pipe bag you want - either hides, or one of the 'Goretex' type 'plastic' bags. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The leather bags require regular treatments ['seasoning'] to maintain them in good condition -a messy and time-consuming job. However, the seasoning helps condition and prevent splitting of the parts of the wooden stocks hidden within the bag. Goretex type materials provide a maintenance-free bag, but there are the disadvantages of both higher initial cost and that parts of the stocks within the bag do not easily receive bore oil, and may consequently crack. With used bagpipes, the type and condition of the bag is often unimportant, since the purchaser may automatically fit a new bag of his choice to the pipes for reasons of hygiene.