Guide to the shepherd pipes and medieval bagpipes

We offer shepherd’s pipes and French bagpipes in cooperation with a master craftsman from southern Germany.

These bagpipes, which have been known in many parts of Europe for centuries, are nowadays mostly played in the G/C tuning. Other pitches (A, C, D) are also available.

Schäfer pipes are overblowable due to their conically bored chanter and have an almost chromatically playable range of 1 1/2 octaves with their traditional, semi-closed fingering(fingering chart).

Due to the large range and playable semitones, you can play excellent melodies from a wide variety of musical eras and regions on them.

Due to their powerful but not excessive volume and pleasant sound, they are perfectly suited for playing together with guitar, violin, accordion, hurdy-gurdy, (transverse) flute and many other instruments(sound example).

Those who start playing the shepherd’s pipe can enjoy a wide range of textbooks, sheet music collections and course offerings.

Middle Ages bagpipes

These non-historic bagpipes were developed from the Scottish Great Highland Bagpipes and have been played for many years by numerous groups, especially at medieval fairs.

In order to learn to play this very loud bagpipe that blows with plenty of power, it is recommended to use a practice whistle and a textbook to start with.

Very interesting is also the WeePipe, which can be combined with the medieval practice whistle and is also suitable for children.

Since we do not manufacture the large medieval bagpipes ourselves, we will be happy to recommend manufacturers from whom you can have such an instrument made upon request. Please have a look at the pages of the Bagpipe Club.