A Lifetime of Bagpipes – The Sets I've Owned and Played

By Simon Blackshaw | Celtic Affairs Pipe Band Supplies

Anyone who knows me well will tell you one thing — I have a bit of an obsession with bagpipes!

Some people collect watches, cars or guitars. For me, it's always been bagpipes.

Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to own and play a wide variety of instruments, from modern McCallums and David Naills to vintage Hendersons and R.G. Lawries. I've always been fascinated by the differences between manufacturers, the characteristics of particular sets and, of course, the history behind some of the older instruments.

I suppose you could say I'm a bit of a collector!

For me, bagpipes have never simply been an instrument to play. There's something special about the craftsmanship, the different styles of mounts, the engraving, the timber and, most importantly, the sound.

Having started playing at the age of 10, I've spent much of my life around bagpipes. Throughout my time playing in Grade 1 pipe bands, competing in solo competitions and teaching, I've had the opportunity to experience some incredible instruments.

And over the years, quite a few sets have passed through my hands!

My Favourite Set – 1998 David Naill DN6

If I had to pick one set from everything I've owned, it would be my 1998 David Naill DN6s, with full silver mounts and the newer runic engraving.

Of all the sets I've owned, these remain my personal favourite. Regretful sale!

There was just something about those pipes that made them particularly special to me. Whether it was their sound, their appearance or simply the enjoyment I got from playing them, they've always stood out.

I've owned several sets of David Naills over the years, including vintage-style models and sets with different mount configurations, but those 1998 DN6s remain at the top of my list.

They're also a perfect example of why I've always enjoyed trying different instruments. Two sets from the same manufacturer can have their own individual character, and sometimes you come across one that really sticks with you.

The DN6s were certainly that set for me.

My McCallum AB4 Deluxe – A Long-Term Favourite

One of the sets I still own today is my 2005 McCallum AB4 Deluxe.

These pipes have been part of my collection for a long time, and they're a set I've continued to hold onto while many others have come and gone.

I've also owned a 2010 McCallum set featuring full nickel mounts with zoomorphic engraving.

McCallum has been a consistent part of my piping journey, and having owned different models over the years, I've developed a good appreciation for the instruments they produce.

It's one of the reasons I'm always happy to discuss McCallum pipes with customers at Celtic Affairs. I've had the opportunity to experience them firsthand rather than simply looking at specifications or photographs.

My Experience with Henderson Bagpipes

I've owned quite a few Henderson sets over the years, including:

• 2008 Henderson – Silver and imitation ivory

• 2009 Henderson – Nickel and imitation ivory

• 2009 Henderson – Imitation ivory with engraved silver

• 2011 Henderson – Full imitation ivory with nickel slides

Henderson is a name that carries a great deal of history in the piping world, and I've always enjoyed exploring the different instruments produced under the name.

One thing I've learned from owning so many sets is that there's much more to choosing bagpipes than simply looking at the maker stamped on them.

Every instrument has its own characteristics, and what one piper absolutely loves might not necessarily be another piper's preference.

That's part of what makes the whole experience so interesting.

R.G. Lawrie – A Passion for Vintage Pipes

Vintage bagpipes have always fascinated me.

I've owned a beautiful 1970s R.G. Lawrie set with silver and ivory mounts, along with a set of 1930s Lawries featuring full ivory mounts, which I still own today.

There's something particularly special about owning an instrument that's approaching 100 years old.

You can't help but wonder about the pipers who owned it before you, where it has travelled, the bands it may have played in and the music it has produced over the decades.

The older Lawries are a particularly interesting part of my collection, and I love the fact that these instruments have survived for so long.

It's also a reminder of the history and craftsmanship behind Highland bagpipes.

R.G. Hardie, Wallace and Gibson

My collection hasn't been limited to McCallum, Naill, Henderson and Lawrie.

I've also owned:

• A 1990s R.G. Hardie set with full silver mounts.

• A 2018 R.G. Hardie set with full ivory mounts.

• Two sets of 2008 Wallace bagpipes with nickel and imitation ivory mounts.

• A 2012 Gibson set with full imitation ivory mounts and silver slides.

Each of these instruments gave me the opportunity to experience something different.

I've always enjoyed comparing the characteristics of various makes, experimenting with different reed combinations and seeing how each instrument responds.

It's amazing how changing drone reeds, bags or moisture-control systems can influence the playing experience.

Sometimes a set that doesn't initially grab your attention can become a completely different instrument once you've found the right setup.

And that's something I've carried into my approach at Celtic Affairs.

My PH05 and PH06 Bagpipes

Two other sets that remain in my collection are my 2008 PH05 and my 2025 PH06 with full silver Victorian engraving.

I've always had an appreciation for the appearance of silver-mounted pipes, particularly when the engraving and craftsmanship complement the overall design of the instrument.

The PH06 is one of the newer additions to my collection, while the PH05 has been around considerably longer.

Alongside my McCallum AB4 Deluxe and 1930s Lawries, these are the four sets I currently own.

Whether that number stays at four is another question entirely!

Anyone who knows me probably already knows the answer to that.

Every Set of Bagpipes I've Owned

Looking back, I've been fortunate enough to own some fantastic instruments.

Here's the full list of sets that have passed through my hands over the years.

Year	Manufacturer / Model	Mounts and details
1930s	R.G. Lawrie	Full ivory
1970s	R.G. Lawrie	Silver and ivory
1990s	R.G. Hardie	Full silver
1998	David Naill DN6	Full silver, newer runic engraving
2005	McCallum AB4 Deluxe	Deluxe model
2008	Wallace (two sets)	Nickel and imitation ivory
2008	Henderson PH05	Silver and imitation ivory
2009	Henderson	Nickel and imitation ivory
2009	Henderson	Imitation ivory and engraved silver
2010	McCallum	Full nickel, zoomorphic engraving
2011	Henderson	Full imitation ivory, nickel slides
2012	Gibson	Full imitation ivory, silver slides
2013	David Naill	Aged imitation ivory, silver slides
2018	R.G. Hardie	Full ivory
2022	David Naill	Full imitation ivory, vintage style
2025	Henderson PH06	Full silver, Victorian engraving

Still in my collection today:

• 2005 McCallum AB4 Deluxe

• 2008 Henderson PH05

• 1930s R.G. Lawrie

• 2025 Henderson PH06, full silver Victorian engraving

And of course, my favourite set of all time remains those 1998 David Naill DN6s.

How My Obsession Influences Celtic Affairs

One of the things I enjoy most about running Celtic Affairs Pipe Band Supplies is being able to share my experience with other pipers.

Having owned and played so many different makes over the years, I understand that choosing a set of bagpipes is a very personal decision.

Some pipers love the appearance of full silver mounts. Others prefer the simplicity of imitation ivory. Some are drawn to vintage instruments, while others want a modern set that they can take straight into the competition circle.

But regardless of the make or model, I firmly believe that the setup of the instrument is just as important as the pipes themselves.

The right combination of pipe bag, drone reeds, chanter reed and moisture control can make an enormous difference to the enjoyment you get from your instrument.

That's why I take so much interest in personally preparing and setting up the bagpipes I sell through Celtic Affairs.

I want customers to receive an instrument that has been properly checked, balanced and prepared for playing.

It's also the thinking behind our new Celtic Affairs Bagpipe Setup Levels, which allow customers to choose an instrument and a complete setup to suit their playing requirements.

Whether you're purchasing your first set of pipes or looking for something special to add to your own collection, I'm always happy to have a conversation about the different options.

Will There Be More Pipes in the Collection?

Almost certainly!

Although I've owned plenty of fantastic instruments over the years, there are still makes and models I'd love to get my hands on.

That's the wonderful thing about bagpipes. There's always another interesting set to discover, another combination of reeds to experiment with or another piece of piping history to appreciate.

And while I might occasionally tell myself that four sets of pipes are more than enough, I suspect anyone who knows me would have a good laugh at that statement.

Once a bagpipe collector, always a bagpipe collector!

If you're thinking about purchasing a new set of pipes, upgrading your current instrument or simply want to chat about different makes and setups, feel free to get in touch.

I'm always happy to talk bagpipes!

Simon Blackshaw
Celtic Affairs Pipe Band Supplies

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