How Much Do Bagpipes Cost?

Last Updated on July 12, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With their distinctively stirring sound and deep cultural heritage, bagpipes hold a special significance in Celtic musical traditions. For those looking to take up the iconic “Great Highland Bagpipes” or other types like Uilleann or Northumbrian pipes, an important question is how much do quality bagpipes realistically cost?

This comprehensive guide will examine the full cost range for purchasing different types of new and used bagpipes. We’ll outline what gear and supplies you’ll need beyond the pipes themselves, review additional ownership expenses, compare pricing across models and brands, and provide insider tips for finding an instrument well-matched to both your playing skill level and budget. With informed decisions, embarking on your bagpiping journey can be financially achievable.

How Much Do Bagpipes Cost?

The cost of bagpipes spans anywhere from $800 for a basic starter set to $5000+ for professional instruments handcrafted by elite makers. However, many variables impact pricing across materials, construction, accessories, maintenance, lessons, and more.

Brand New Bagpipes suitable for absolute beginners generally range in cost from $700 to $1500 depending on materials, imported versus domestic origin, and reputation of the maker. Intermediate-level pipes from respected makers with better woods, craftsmanship, and musicality typically cost between $1500 and $2500. Professional-grade sets handmade by elite Scottish workshops like R.G. Hardie or Henderson run $2500 to $5000+.

Used Bagpipes offer notable upfront savings but require careful inspection and testing. Expect to spend $500 to $1500 sourcing older used sets in reasonably playable shape, often from students upgrading or schools with discontinuation sales.

Vintage bagpipes start around $1000 but usually require restoration work adding costs. Consider learning on used or synthetic pipes initially, then upgrading to superior instruments as skills and dedication grow since sound quality matters more as proficiency progresses.

McCallum Bagpipes is known for its high-quality bagpipes made in Scotland, and its prices start from approximately $800 for beginner models and can exceed $3,000 for professional-grade sets.

Wallace Bagpipes offers a range of bagpipes known for their craftsmanship and quality, with prices starting around $1,200 for basic sets and going up to $4,000 or more for custom-made and deluxe models.

Handcrafted bagpipes from Scotland, Duncan Soutar bagpipes are known for their traditional craftsmanship and are priced in the range of $1,500 to $5,000 depending on customization and materials.

Founded by renowned piper Fred Morrison, the Fred Morrison Pipes bagpipes are prized for their tone and craftsmanship. Prices typically start around $1,800 and can reach $6,000 or more for custom-built sets.

Overview of Bagpipes

While bagpipes actually originated centuries ago in the Middle East and Europe, today the iconic Great Highland Bagpipe is most closely associated with Scottish and Irish musical heritage and military bands.

Other regional bagpipe varieties like the pastoral Uilleann pipes and Northumbrian small pipes feature in traditional English and Irish folk music. Bagpipes have also lent their distinctive voice to Celtic rock and punk rock music genres. The bagpipe’s mystique, cultural heritage, and storied history carry deep significance for players.

Other Bagpipe Types Available

Uilleann Pipes, the national bagpipe of Ireland, usually range in cost from $1000 to $3000 for imported starter sets from Pakistan up to $5000+ for professional-grade sets handmade by acclaimed Irish makers like Kinnaird Bagpipes or Geoff Wooff.

Northumbrian Smallpipes common to England’s folk music traditions normally cost between $800 and $1500 for a basic new set with cotton bag and synthetic reed chamber.

Electronic Bagpipes designed for more convenient home practice run $300 to $700 depending on features. Some MIDI-equipped models even allow for recording, looping, and effects.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a bassoon, a trombone, or a saxophone.

Scottish Smallpipes for traditional music start around $700 and offer a gentler, quieter sound.

Shuttle Pipes like the Walsh or Ezee designed for Celtic music genres usually start around $700 as an affordable first set.

Pricing varies widely based on materials used, imported versus domestic origin, features, and reputation of the maker. Test play where possible before purchasing.

Accessories and Additional Gear

• Practice Chanter – $50 to $150 to enable practicing fingering technique and songs independently of the full bagpipes
• Drone Reeds – $15 to $30 per reed, replaced regularly to maintain tone
• Pipe Bag – $100 to $300, with leather and hide bags lasting substantially longer than synthetic
• Tuneable Pipe Chanter – $300 to $500 for easier setup and care of reeds
• Maintenance Equipment – $150 for tools like leak fixers, cork grease, brush/oiler kits
• Protective Case – $100 to $300, with hard cases best for protecting pipes from damage

Take the time to factor these ongoing maintenance gear expenses into your overall budget. Supporting accessories ensure your prized pipes always play and sound their very best for decades to come. Avoid false economies on needed upkeep tools.

Typical Instruction Costs to Learn Bagpipes

To make the most of your investment and develop playing skills correctly, expect to also invest in professional bagpipe tutoring and instruction. The specialized techniques like drone sound, steady airflow, fingerings, and reed adjustment can prove very challenging without proper mentorship.

• Private Lessons – The most effective for 1-on-1 skill building, plan on investing around $50 per hour-long lesson, potentially increasing in cost as you advance.
• Group Classes – A more affordable option at usually $150 to $300 total for a standard 6-to-8-week session, however lacks personalized direction. Great for basics.
• Online Lessons – The most convenient and often cheapest option, typically $30 per 1-hour livestreamed online lesson. However, lacks in-person feedback on technique.

Consider taking a “Piping for Beginners” group class to start, supplemented by occasional private sessions to correct areas you struggle with. Lesson costs taper down over time as skills solidify.

The Best Deals on Bagpipes

• Browse classified ads sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for quality used deals listed by local players.
• Watch for sales at Scottish Highland games vendor tents in the days right before major regional events.
• Ask band instructors and professional pipers in your area for leads on students selling off starter sets and practice chanters.
• Compare pricing across various online specialty bagpipe retailers, many ship internationally. Don’t be afraid to politely haggle or ask about price matching.
• Consider direct bagpipe imports from respected workshops in Pakistan for savings on equivalent construction quality compared to UK names.
• Take advantage of student discounts some makers offer. Don’t limit your search, creative deals emerge in unexpected places if you stay persistent.

Maintenance Costs and Proper Care

As a delicate acoustic woodwind instrument, bagpipes naturally require periodic maintenance and repairs to play their best. Professional deep cleanings might be needed every few years, costing $100-200. Ask any seller upfront about existing issues. Besides professional care, owners must commit to:

• Monitoring and adjusting drone reed tightness as needed
• Frequently greasing joints and oiling drones to prevent air leaks
• Changing the blowpipe valve regularly to avoid moisture damage
• Swabbing out moisture after each session
• Keeping pipes in a humidity-controlled case when not playing

The right accessories and habits will extend your pipes’ lifespan and sound quality immensely. Take pride in ownership.

Final Words

From street performances to storied Celtic ensembles, bagpipes offer a lifetime of musical reward and cultural connection. While quality instruments demand an investment ranging into the thousands, used equipment, sales, and budget-friendly models make this powerful wind instrument accessible.

Let price stand as motivation as you progress from practice chanter to full bagpipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a bagpiper charge?

On average, professional gigging bagpipers charge $200-500 per performance lasting 1-2 hours including travel time, based on regional rates. More reputable pipers in high demand can charge $500+. Funeral piping usually runs $150-300.

How much does it cost to learn the bagpipes?

Expect to invest $1000-2000+ in your first-year learning bagpipes between lessons, a starter set of pipes, supplies, instructor fees, and maintenance. Ongoing costs taper down to $500-1000 annually as skills progress. Serious dedication is required.

Can bagpipes play in any key?

Bagpipes are limited tonally to playing in one key determined by their tuning and scale. So songs must be transposed into appropriate keys matching the piper’s instrument. Some pipe types offer a wider range of notes and keys.

Are the bagpipes the hardest instrument to learn?

Yes, the complex fingering technique, steady airflow, drone tones, and need to tune and set reeds make bagpipes notoriously difficult to master, with instruction strongly recommended. But persistence pays off in expressing Celtic heritage.