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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The shift from handcrafted to machine made
products is a recurring story and a musical
00:04.340 --> 00:06.940
instrument with a 600 year history is no
exception.
00:06.980 --> 00:11.989
According to French international news agency,
a FP mass produced bagpipes have become the
00:12.000 --> 00:14.819
standard.
However, one artesian maker in Edinburgh,
00:14.829 --> 00:19.069
Scotland named Kilberry bagpipes continues to
maintain the handcrafting tradition.
00:19.139 --> 00:23.735
This the Highland bagpipe, the most recognized
version which has a wide influence on musical
00:23.745 --> 00:28.385
styles ranging from military in Britain and
Commonwealth nations to rock punk and folk.
00:28.395 --> 00:33.125
A FP reported that Kilberry process features
nine steps including boring and shaping pipes,
00:33.134 --> 00:37.064
attaching mounds and ferals and applying
finishing touches while assembling components.
00:37.154 --> 00:39.224
This all adds up to about five days of work.
00:39.509 --> 00:43.849
Additionally, the company's craftsmen work on
multiple bagpipes simultaneously must dedicate
00:43.860 --> 00:46.369
extra attention to ensure each instrument
sounds the same.
00:46.380 --> 00:50.959
Apprentice Rory Black claim that their bagpipes
offer a quote distinct sound and each has a
00:50.970 --> 00:53.450
unique appearance which appeals to customers
worldwide.
00:53.810 --> 00:58.259
However, Kilberry does not keep any sets of
bagpipes in stock and interested buyers can
00:58.270 --> 01:01.490
expect an estimated two year wait for their
made to order bagpipe.
01:01.500 --> 01:05.724
Currently, most manufacturers use machinery to
make their bagpipes but Black explained that
01:05.735 --> 01:09.885
the difference between handmade and machine
made lies in the hand turned shapes,
01:09.894 --> 01:13.285
decorative designs and the use of imitation
ivory for the mountains.
01:13.294 --> 01:17.485
Black added that Kilberry attempts to keep the
cost of a handmade bagpipe manageable with the
01:17.495 --> 01:21.964
company's highland prices ranging from about
1200 to over $6000.
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Comparatively, the starting price for a
highland at us based Gibson bagpipes is
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approximately $1150.
I'm Nolan Basin.
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This is manufacturing now.