Handmade Instrument With 600-Year History Invaded by Machinery, Mass Manufacturing

Very few companies still make this instrument by hand.

Transcript

The shift from handcrafted to machine-made products is a recurring story, and a musical instrument with a 600-year history is no exception.

According to French international news agency AFP, mass-produced bagpipes have become the standard. However, one artisan maker in Edinburgh, Scotland, named Kilberry Bagpipes, continues to maintain the handcrafting tradition of bagpipes. 

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This includes the Highland bagpipe, the most recognized version, which has a wide influence on musical styles ranging from military in Britain and Commonwealth nations to rock, punk.

AFP reported that Kilberry’s process features nine steps, including boring and shaping pipes, attaching mounts and ferrules and applying finishing touches while assembling components. This all adds up to about five days of work. Additionally, the company’s craftsmen work on multiple bagpipes simultaneously and must dedicate extra attention to ensure each instrument sounds the same.

Apprentice Ruari Black claimed that their bagpipes offer a “distinct sound” and each has a unique appearance, which appeals to customers worldwide. However, Kilberry does not keep any sets of bagpipes in stock, and interested buyers can expect an estimated two-year wait for their made-to-order bagpipe.

Currently, most manufacturers use machinery to make their bagpipes, but Black explained that the difference between handmade and machine-made lies in the “hand-turned” shapes, decorative designs and the use of imitation ivory for the mounts.

Black added that Kilberry attempts to keep the cost of a handmade bagpipe manageable, with the company’s Highland prices ranging from about $1,200 to over $6,000. Comparatively, the starting price for a Highland at U.S.-based Gibson Bagpipes is approximately $1,150.

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