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Wood.

Updated: Oct 26, 2024

Our wood is selected by color, grain and figure and divided into sets to air dry. It is rough turned and pre-bored and allowed to dry further. Although 3 months or so may pass before you receive your pipes, work was started on the wood used in them as much as two years prior!


MacLellan bagpipes was first company in the modern era to look at woods other than African Blackwood, such as Cocobolo, Mopane, Burmese Blackwood and recently Royal Mexican Ebony Before the Great War in 1914, it was not unusual to find some of the best sounding bagpipes made from woods other than Blackwood or Ebony. Cocus wood from Jamaica & Brazilian kingwood were used regularly. After that war, the woods from German East Africa, now Tanzania, became widely available.


Selecting the wood for your bagpipes goes beyond aesthetics; it shapes the instrument's tonal characteristics and plays a role in how each note resonates. Each type of wood brings unique tonal qualities to bagpipes, so understanding these differences can help you choose the right fit for your sound and style.


African Blackwood: Bright and Resonant

African Blackwood is the gold standard for bagpipes due to its density, which contributes to a full-bodied and brilliant tone. The sound produced by Blackwood pipes is powerful, with clear high notes and rich, rounded low notes. This wood's tonal clarity allows every note to project well, making it ideal for both solo performances and competitive settings where projection and definition are essential.


Mopane: Warm and Mellow

Mopane wood is slightly less dense than African Blackwood, creating a tone that is warmer and more resonant. This characteristic gives Mopane pipes a mellower sound, which some describe as having a bit of "soul." The midrange notes are particularly rich, and the wood lends a smoothness to the tonal profile, making it a popular choice among pipers looking for an inviting, less assertive sound without sacrificing depth. Its beautiful reddish-brown hues are also a visually appealing aspect, giving it a unique aesthetic that stands out.


Cocobolo: Bold and Complex

Cocobolo is known for its bold appearance, with vibrant red and orange hues, but its sound profile is equally compelling. This wood produces a rich, complex tone, with subtle overtones that add depth to the sound. Some pipers find that Cocobolo’s tonal character sits between the brightness of Blackwood and the warmth of Mopane, offering a dynamic range of expression that is both powerful and nuanced. The wood’s density also gives it good projection, though its warmth softens the sound just enough to provide a distinct presence.

Each of these woods offers something unique, allowing pipers to tailor their instrument to suit their personal sound and aesthetic preferences. At MacLellan Bagpipes, our commitment to quality ensures that each instrument, regardless of wood choice, is crafted to enhance the tonal beauty inherent to the bagpipes. Whether you're drawn to the timeless clarity of African Blackwood, the inviting warmth of Mopane, or

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+1.‪919.404.9690‬

217 North Arendell, Zebulon, NC 27597

selected photos by COURTNEY A SCHNEE

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