My Experience Playing the David Naill DNV3 Bagpipes – Vintage Looks, Powerful Sound

By Simon Blackshaw | Celtic Affairs Pipe Band Supplies

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to play a wide variety of bagpipes, from modern instruments to vintage sets with their own distinctive characteristics. During my ten years as a member of the Victoria Police Pipe Band, one set that particularly stood out to me was the 2022 David Naill DNV3 with full aged imitation ivory mounts.

I played these pipes for a few years, and they remain a memorable instrument for their combination of classic appearance, comfortable playing weight and excellent drone sound.

A Classic Vintage Appearance

One of the first things that attracted me to the DNV3 was its appearance.

The full aged imitation ivory mounts gave the instrument a beautiful traditional look, reminiscent of the old MacDougall bagpipes. I've always appreciated the character of vintage instruments, and the DNV3 captured that aesthetic without sacrificing the consistency and craftsmanship of a modern set.

Another feature I particularly appreciated was how light the pipes felt on the shoulder.

When you're playing regularly, whether at rehearsals, performances or lengthy engagements, the weight and balance of your instrument can make a noticeable difference. The DNV3 was exceptionally comfortable to carry and play for extended periods.

The Drone Sound – Bright Tenors and a Booming Bass

For me, the standout feature of this particular set was its drone sound.

The tenor drones produced a lovely bright, clear tone. They tuned and settled perfectly just above the hemp line, giving me a consistent and reliable tuning position.

They had the brightness I enjoy in a good set of tenor drones, with plenty of presence and clarity.

The bass drone, however, was something particularly special.

This set had its bass drone modified by David Naill to produce a more robust, booming sound.

The result was a bass with tremendous depth and power. It provided a strong foundation underneath the tenors and gave the overall drone sound a richness that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I have always appreciated a powerful bass drone, and this particular instrument certainly delivered.

Finding the Right Drone Reed Combination

Over the years I played the DNV3, I experimented with several different drone reed combinations.

As any experienced piper knows, finding the right reeds for a particular instrument can make an enormous difference to its overall sound, steadiness and response.

After experimenting, I eventually settled on two preferred tenor reed options:

• Crozier glass-fibre tenor reeds, or

• Kelt tenor reeds

For the bass, my preferred choice was the Kinnaird Evolution bass drone reed.

Both tenor reed options worked extremely well in the DNV3, producing the brightness and clarity I was looking for.

The Kinnaird Evolution bass reed complemented the modified Naill bass beautifully. It helped produce the deep, powerful bass sound that became one of my favourite characteristics of this setup.

The combination of bright tenors and a commanding bass created a wonderfully balanced drone sound, with plenty of depth and projection.

My Bag and Moisture Control Setup

During this period, I played the DNV3 with a Gannaway Pipe Bag and a Moose - moisture control system.

My moisture control arrangement was slightly different from what some pipers might expect.

I used tubes and a canister system connected only to the tenor drones. The purpose was to manage moisture reaching the tenor reeds and help maintain their steadiness throughout playing.

I deliberately ran the bass drone without a moisture control tube.

This was a conscious decision based on the sound I wanted from the instrument.

I found that allowing the bass to operate without a tube gave it even greater depth, resonance and power. The bass seemed to open up, producing a fuller and more commanding tone.

Of course, there was a trade-off.

Without a dedicated moisture control tube, the bass reed was occasionally more susceptible to moisture, which could affect its steadiness during longer playing sessions.

For me, however, the additional tonal depth and volume were worth that compromise.

I was prepared to sacrifice a little consistency on occasion to achieve the bass sound I preferred.

This isn't necessarily an approach I would recommend for every piper or every set of bagpipes. Moisture levels, playing conditions, reed selection and individual instruments all behave differently.

But on this particular DNV3, with that modified bass and the Kinnaird Evolution reed, it worked extremely well.

Why This Combination Worked So Well

Looking back, I think the success of this setup came from finding the right balance between the instrument, drone reeds, pipe bag and moisture control.

The DNV3 provided an excellent foundation:

• A lightweight, comfortable instrument with classic vintage styling.

• Bright tenor drones that tuned consistently just above the hemp line.

• A modified bass drone with exceptional depth and volume.

• Crozier glass-fibre or Kelt tenor reeds that complemented the instrument's tonal characteristics.

• A Kinnaird Evolution bass reed that helped bring out the power of the bass.

• A Gannaway pipe bag with moisture control directed to the tenors, while leaving the bass unrestricted.

Each component contributed something to the overall result.

What worked particularly well was that the setup wasn't overly complicated. I knew the sound I wanted and experimented until I found a combination that delivered it.

My Overall Thoughts on the David Naill DNV3

Having played the David Naill DNV3 for several years during my time with the Victoria Police Pipe Band, I have very fond memories of the instrument.

It was comfortable, visually striking and capable of producing an excellent drone sound.

The full aged imitation ivory mounts gave it that traditional MacDougall-inspired appearance, while the bright tenors and modified, booming bass gave the instrument a powerful tonal character.

For me, it was one of those sets where everything came together beautifully once I found the right reed and moisture control combination.

Bright tenors, a deep and powerful bass, classic looks and a lightweight feel on the shoulder. What more could you want?

A great combination!

Interested in the David Naill DNV3?

At Celtic Affairs Pipe Band Supplies, I enjoy helping pipers find instruments and setups that suit their playing style and tonal preferences.

Having personally played the David Naill DNV3 for several years, I can share firsthand experience of the instrument and discuss suitable drone reed combinations, pipe bags and setup options.

Whether you're looking for your next set of bagpipes or simply want advice on getting the best sound from your current instrument, feel free to get in touch.

Explore the David Naill DNV3 Bagpipes at Celtic Affairs Pipe Band Supplies

Simon Blackshaw

Celtic Affairs Pipe Band Supplies