Best Bagpipe Review – Top Rated Models in 2021 with Buying Guide
If you’ve decided to up your sonic game with the best bagpipes yet you don’t know where to start your shopping session, you might find this paragraph to be of help. Our team has examined various models of good bagpipes, their features as well as bagpipes reviews and has decided that the first option to consider is the McWilliams Scottish Professional. Featuring quality materials and designed with both high sound quality and comfort of use in mind, this product is committed to helping you advance. The unit comes with natural RS mounts and boasts enclosed reeds that are continuously fed from the reservoir of air supply in the bagpipes. The instrument is coupled with a hard case to ensure protection and ease of storage and transportation. Should you be unable to find this model, a reliable alternative is the AJW Full Set.
Comparison Table
Our Top Choice
Featuring quality materials that ensure extended use and high sound quality, this model is ideal for beginners and advanced players alike. It comes with enclosed reeds and natural RS mounts, it measures 21.5″ x 5.8″ x 5.8″ and weighs 5.5 lbs. Plus, it includes a carrying case that will make it easy to store and transport the instrument safely.
The product dimensions might make it less suitable for certain players such as kids.
Whether you’re new to bagpipes or you’ve already acquired some experience, this product is worth paying attention to as it features quality materials and a nice design.
2nd Best
Including anything you need to start playing the bagpipes immediately upon arrival, this model features quality materials that will keep up with hours of practice and extended gigs. The large synthetic bag provides full inflation and prevents air leakage whereas the hard case included ensures safe and easy storage and transportation.
One user says the paint chips off the drones easily while another user had air leakage issues.
Explore the many sonic possibilities of bagpipes with this model. It comes with materials and a design that are committed to lasting and delivering high sound quality.
Also To Consider
Boasting an entirely black body, this model stands out through elegant aesthetics and a sonic output that will enchant when the instrument is played properly. The unit features a synthetic bag and reeds as well as rosewood parts. Ease of transportation and enhanced protection are ensured by the carrying case included.
The unit weighs around 6 pounds, which might make it a bit heavy for some users.
Stylishly designed, this instrument will not only help you express your sonic creativity but will also add a touch of elegance to your gigs and practice sessions.
6 Best Bagpipes (Reviews) in 2021
The market is quite generous when it comes to bagpipes. You will find many models of both expensive and cheap bagpipes but identifying the right beginner bagpipes or even models for advanced players might require lots of time and browsing. To ease your shopping experience, we have reviewed below some of the most appreciated products.
- 1. McWilliams Proffesional Scottish Highland Bagpipe
- 2. Bagpipes Beginner Full Set with book
- 3. McWilliams Proffesional Scottish Highland Bagpipe Builten Mounts
- 4. Bagpipes Starter Kit with Tutor Book Practice
- 5. Kids Bagpipe Miniature Playable Bagpipe with Reed
- 6. Tiny Tots Bagpipes with Instruction Sheet
- Yearly Guide & Report
1. McWilliams Proffesional Scottish Highland Bagpipe
The quality of the materials used for a musical instrument, the attention that was paid when it was designed, and the craftsmanship involved contribute to the sonic output, the durability of the product, and the comfort you get to enjoy when playing. This model from McWilliams was engineered with such ideas in mind.
Weighing approximately 5.5 lbs and measuring 21.5 x 5.8 x 5.8 inches, this product is committed to helping you explore the sonic beauty of bagpipes. It features natural RS mounts and enclosed reeds that will be constantly fed from the reservoir of air supply located in the bagpipes.
What’s more, the item comes with a hard case that will help you store and transport it with ease and protect it while doing so. It is thus worth considering whether you’re a novice interested in getting better at this or a more skilled player on the lookout for a new quality instrument.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($135.99)
2. Bagpipes Beginner Full Set with book
Another model you might want to take into account is this full set from AJW. Boasting quality materials that have been carefully chosen, this set includes anything you need to start playing right away. The Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe features fine rosewood with a glossy finish that will enchant both sonically and visually.
The unit comes with projecting mounts that are combined with slides, ferrules, and ring caps. Plus, the instrument includes a large synthetic bag to provide full inflation and prevent air leakage. You will also get a black watch tartan bag cover and matching drone cords.
Since this model is a full set, the package includes various accessories to provide you with a comfortable and full experience such as practice reeds, a tutor book, and an assembly book. Moreover, ease of storage and transportation is ensured by the carrying case included. The unit measures 22.1 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches and weighs 5.51 lbs.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($119.96)
3. McWilliams Proffesional Scottish Highland Bagpipe Builten Mounts
If you intend to take your bagpipes out for live performances and street gigs and you need an instrument that not only delivers the sound you’re interested in but that also looks great, this model from McWilliams is worth considering. The all-black unit is committed to turning your gigs into the definition of elegance.
The item features an entirely black body including a black chanter, bag, and blowpipes. It weighs around 6 lbs and features built-in mounts. Thanks to the hard case included in the package, transporting it from one place to another is easy.
What’s more, due to the design of the case, enhanced protection is also ensured. The box is also great for storing the product while it is not in use. The instrument is ideal for beginners and advanced players alike as the materials used are committed to lasting and delivering high sonic quality.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($159.99)
4. Bagpipes Starter Kit with Tutor Book Practice
In case you’re new to this instrument and you are thus looking for a beginner model, this starter kit from AJW might be right up your alley. Designed with novices in mind, the product comes with all the necessary accessories so you can start using it immediately upon arrival.
Measuring 21.3 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches and weighing 5.51 lbs, the instrument boasts a synthetic bag, nickel-plated mounts, and quality materials that ensure durability and comfort when playing. Since it is intended for beginners, the package offers a tutor book so you can learn to play this instrument properly and do so with ease.
In order to enable you to use it right away, the kit provides you with various accessories such as a cane drone reed set and a synthetic drone reed set. The carrying hard case will help you easily store, protect, and transport the instrument.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($134.78)
5. Kids Bagpipe Miniature Playable Bagpipe with Reed
Designed for young players, this model from iLuv is also worth paying attention to before you make your final decision. If your kid is interested in playing the bagpipes and you want a product that won’t break too soon and that delivers a satisfying sound quality, this Miniature Bagpipe shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Given the size of the bagpipe, the item can be easily and comfortably used by young musicians. This way, kids can explore the sonic realm of this instrument without their comfort being affected. What’s more, a few users who tried it say it can also be used by adults.
The materials used promise to keep up with a kid’s energetic way of playing whereas the tartan design will add a nice visual touch to your little one’s performance. Given that it is a miniature bagpipe for young players, the product comes with an affordable price attached.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($41.99)
6. Tiny Tots Bagpipes with Instruction Sheet
Playing a musical instrument helps one develop new skills. Making such activities part of your kid’s fun is thus an inspired thing to do. If you’re on the lookout for a quality bagpipe for children, the Tiny Trots from Grover shouldn’t be ignored before you place your order.
Ideal for children over 12, the unit features quality materials that are committed to keeping up with extended use and a design that makes it attractive. The 100% cotton plaid cloth and nicely finished wood used give this instrument an authentic Scottish feel and ensure durability.
What’s also great about this model is that it comes with a comprehensive instruction sheet that will help the young player get acquainted with the instrument. Therefore, whether you’re in need of such an item for your kid or you’re on the lookout for an educational and fun gift, this model is worth adding to your list of options.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($69.99)
Yearly Guide & Report
More and more people resort to musical activities for their spare time fun or to simply use their brain differently and learn something new. If you are part of them and you’ve decided that bagpipes are the ones you want to explore, this buying guide might be of interest.
Just like when you’re on the lookout for other musical instruments, there are various factors you need to consider to make sure that the item that gets added to your shopping cart will meet your needs and provide you with the quality you’re looking for. We have highlighted some of them below.
Bagpipe type and size
Most people think of only one type of bagpipes when they hear the name of this instrument and that is the Great Highland bagpipe, a type that is commonly seen in movies and rock bands or at Scottish games.
It’s true that this is the most popular type used by players all over the world yet you will also find other types such as the Uilleann bagpipes, the Border pipes, the Great Irish Warpipes, and the Scottish small pipes.
There are some differences as far as their design is regarded. Therefore, you might want to start with that. Check out the various particularities of each type and choose according to your preferences. Once you’ve chosen the bagpipe type, you need to consider the instrument size as well.
Different brands offer different bagpipe sizes. You can use a size chart to get an instrument that is appropriate for your body. As a general rule, you should pay attention to the height and length of the instrument as well as to the bag diameter.
Plus, the blow stick length should be proportional to your height because if the stick is too long, the bag might slip and trigger an uncomfortable playing position. The same applies if the stick is too short. Also, consider your chest shape, blowing technique, and arm length and choose accordingly.
Materials
The materials used for the bagpipe you intend to buy should provide you with durability and the way the instrument was crafted should ensure extended use as well as high sound quality. These instruments were traditionally made from animal pelts yet many of the units you will find today use synthetic materials.
You might want to consider an instrument that features rosewood blow sticks and tubes and a bag that won’t allow air leakage. Also, the materials used contribute to the weight of the product. If the instrument is too heavy, playing for a long time might get really uncomfortable. On the other hand, if it is too light, you might not enjoy the stability required to play well.
There’s another thing you need to take into account and that refers to the environment in which the bagpipes will be used. Temperature and humidity changes can cause damages that will affect the way the item works and sounds. The materials used should thus handle various conditions.
Accessories and other considerations
In case this is not just a hobby or a whim and you intend to advance your bagpipe playing skills, you might also want to consider the accessories a model comes with. A full set usually includes extra reeds, valves, practice chanters, and covers. Quality accessories will last for longer, therefore, getting such items is also part of your bagpipe acquisition.
You might even find products that are coupled with a tutor book to make it easier for you. A carrying case is also essential as it will ensure ease of transportation and protection. Buying them separately will add to the final cost, though, so getting a full set that includes them is desirable.
