Also friends of the very powerful sounding Great Highland Bagpipes can be enthusiastic about these small, fine and quiet sounding bagpipes: Our Smallpipes from the company R.T. Shepherd & Son enjoy more and more popularity and have long since conquered a firm place in the bagpipe world.
While not so long ago the smallpipes were very sensitive to moisture, so that they always had to be played with a bellows, technical development has now produced excellent plastic reeds that allow mouth-blown playing. And since these pipes are played with the same fingering as the Highland pipe, it is no longer a problem to switch from the large to the small tartan bag.
With the bellows no longer needed, switching from the Great Highland Bagpipe to the quieter Smallpipe is no problem! After a short period of familiarization, the piper has gotten used to the new fingerhole spacing and the lower playing pressure and can play his complete repertoire on the new, quieter pipe!
Shepherd was the first manufacturer to use our proven plastic double reeds in the design of these hand-blown smallpipes, which make the instrument more resistant to moisture. For years, these reeds have proven themselves and ensure consistent intonation and the best sound results.
Standard equipment:
All smallpipes are made from the best African Blackwood. The ornamental rings are made of high quality artificial ivory ‘Ivoirine’, the common stick of the drones is made of polypenco for stability and durability.
The pleasantly full-sounding, but only room-loud bagpipes are played with the same fingering as the Highland pipes and have three drones. The Canmore Bag used guarantees permanent tightness.
All smallpipes are set up, extensively tested and carefully voiced by us before delivery. The durable reeds (1 double reed and 3 impact reeds) are made of plastic, which contributes significantly to reliability.
Our smallpipes are available in four different voice pitches. The basic tuning is 440 Hz. By selecting the appropriate key, they can thus be played together with the available instruments of a group.
Selection of keys:
Smallpipe in D
The key of D is the most powerful sounding on our smallpipes, but the fingering distance is much shorter than on the Great Highland bagpipes.
Drone tuning: d – a – d
Smallpipe in C
Tonally, like the key of D, the C smallpipe sounds powerful and full. Again, the handle spacing is shorter than the Great Highland Bagpipes.
Drone tuning: c – g – c
Smallpipe in Bb
The Bb pitch gives the instrument a very warm and full sound with pleasant handling. The fingerhole spacing is pretty much the same as the Great Highland Bagpipe.
Drone tuning: b – f – b
Smallpipe in A
The lowest version in the traditional key of A with a warm, sonorous sound. The fingerhole spacing is slightly larger than on the Great Highland Bagpipe.
Drone tuning: a – d – a
Smallpipe Combination Set in A and D
This version combines the musical possibilities of the D- and A-Smallpipe through interchangeable chanters.
Both keys can be used by selecting the appropriate drones. The Combination Set comes with a drone stick that holds all 4 drones.
The chanter is now equipped with wind capsules that allow quick replacement with full protection of the reed!
with 2 chimes in A and D – drone tuning: a – d – a – d
On the following pages you will find more information:
– How to learn Scottish bagpipe playing
– Our partner and supplier in Scotland: R.T. Shepherd & Son
– Glossary with explanations of the most important Scottish terms
For private use only.
Reproduction and distribution only with the express permission of the author.
