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Why are some bagpipes priced at $60 and some are priced at $1,500?

Most people safely (& correctly) assume that we sell & rent kilts at our Scottish store in Scottsdale, Arizona. What a lot of folks may not know is that we ALSO sell bagpipes, reeds, cases and many other items associated with the Scottish Bagpipe.

While I am out playing my bagpipes, I get a lot of questions about my outfit, my instrument, as well as my family heritage. One of the most common questions is “What does a bagpipe cost?”

Just like anything else, there is a cost range for bagpipes – some can go all the way up to $9,000, while others are priced at $60.

So what’s the deal – why are some bagpipes priced so low and others are priced over $1,000?

Let’s look at this a different way: anyone can get a toy harmonica for $2, but if you want to really learn how to play like a professional, you are going to need to be packing a bit more than a toy. You will need a bona fide American made instrument, right?

On occasion we will have a customer walk in to our store holding a set of bagpipes. They would like us to give an evaluation and estimate on the bagpipes they brought in which they bought either online or at a local pawn shop. Over 75% of the time, I have to break the bad news to the customer and tell them that the bagpipes are only worth $20 and they really cannot (and should not) be played.

I can hear you saying to yourself “Hold on…these cheap bagpipes are not toys… they are real instruments…they do actually work, correct?”

Before we go any further, let’s clear something up. The knock-off bagpipes I am referring to are made in the Middle East of very, very (VERY) low quality wood that is ultra rough, lightweight, and sometimes painted or stained to resemble the look of African Blackwood. African Blackwood is what most Scottish bagpipes are made from. The bag on these pipes is not airtight and the reeds that come with the pipes do not work. When I say “do not work” I mean they will never sound decent.

As they come, these bogus bagpipes will not sound decent or work properly unless you do the following:
• Buy a new bag that is made by a reputable company. L&M Highland or Shepherd Bagpipes in Scotland are reputable companies that we frequently recommend. The cost on these bags can run $160 to $300.
• Buy new drone reeds. The cost of a good set of reeds is around $80.
• Replace the pipe chanter (the part that sticks out of the bottom of the bagpipe where your hands go). This replacement will run you about $160.
So far the total cost is $400 (on the low side) and even then the bore (the inside) of these pipes are not made with precision so they will never sound great. In all likelihood you will not be happy with a set like this and will probably end up getting a real set when you decide to stick with the hobby.

Authentic bagpipes are made in the UK, the USA, and Canada. Genuine pipes will always have a name brand like Kintail, David Naill, Dunbar, Peter Henderson, McCallum, Shepherd, and many more. The least expensive authentic wooden set will cost over $1,000 new. You might be able to find a good deal on a used set but make sure it has a name brand and check out the manufacturer’s website to make sure they are makers of legitimate bagpipes.

My final, and some would say most important, bit of advice: don’t buy bagpipes that are made in the Middle East or Asia unless you plan on hanging them on the wall as Man Cave decoration. If that is your plan, take off the plaid bag cover and get a solid bag cover – the plaid bag cover looks hokey.

If you need some advice on buying a used set that is posted online somewhere, call us and ask for Wheaton or Michael. We will be more than happy to check it out for you and ensure that the item you’re looking at buying is kosher.

Until next time,

Wheaton McClanathan
Kilt Rental USA & Claymore Imports
480-460-0907