Risk and Reward of Restoring Bagpipes

There’s something special about uncovering an old set of pipes — whether they belonged to a family member, a friend, or were found tucked away in a dusty case. The instinct to restore them, to bring them back to life, is understandable. These instruments hold history, sentiment, and sound. But restoration work isn’t just about making old pipes playable again — it’s about navigating the delicate balance between preservation and transformation.

The Aesthetic Work

Some aspects of restoration are straightforward — not easy, but achievable. Removing old varnish, buffing or skimming drones to freshen their appearance, or polishing natural materials like horn or ivory can go a long way in reviving the look of an instrument.

Replacing mounts and ferrules is also fairly common and can breathe new life into an aged set. These efforts focus on appearance and function without drastically altering the essence of the pipes. Done carefully, they honor the original maker’s craftsmanship while restoring pride to the owner.

When Restoration Gets Complicated

The deeper challenges come when the restoration moves beyond aesthetics — when the structure and sound of the pipes come into play. Reboring sections to remove warps, replacing drone caps or bushings — these steps can change the tonal character of an instrument entirely. Even with the most precise hands and best intentions, the original voice of the bagpipe can be lost or altered.

And this is where expectations can collide with reality. A player might hope to return a century-old instrument to its former glory, only to discover that the result — while beautiful — doesn’t sound or feel the same.

The Emotional Weight

Many restoration projects begin with deep emotional connection. The pipes might have belonged to a parent, a teacher, or a piper who inspired a generation. But African Blackwood, ivory, and silver have limits. Time, moisture, and movement all take their toll, and even the best restoration can’t turn back the clock completely.

It’s not uncommon for customers to bring in what they believe to be a complete set of, say, 1920 Hendersons — only to learn that the pieces are mismatched, or that hallmarked silver from one era has been fitted onto pipes from another. It’s a bit like tracing your family tree: sometimes the history is richer and more complex than expected, and the results might not align with the story you hoped to tell.

The Craftsmen Who Keep the Tradition Alive

There are some incredible craftsmen out there who do remarkable restoration work and bring decades of experience to every project. Marr Bagpipes, Dunbar, Jeffers Bagpipes, and The Wee Piper — MacHarg — are among the few who truly understand the balance between restoring and preserving. They approach each instrument with care, integrity, and an appreciation for both the music and the maker behind it.

If you’re considering a restoration, seek out those with proven skill and honesty. Good restoration is as much about trust as it is about technical ability.

Honest Advice

If your goal is to restore a set of pipes simply for the sake of restoring them — go ahead, but do so with clear expectations. If you’re hoping to fix warps, cracks, or broken bushings in the pursuit of perfect tone — know that your bagpipe may never sound quite the same again.

At MacLellan Bagpipes, we believe in honesty and craftsmanship. Every instrument carries its own story, and not every one is meant to be rebuilt from the ground up. Sometimes the wiser path is to purchase a new set or continue playing what already works for you.

Restoration can be rewarding, but it also carries risk — both emotional and musical. Approach it thoughtfully, and remember: what truly matters isn’t just how the pipes look or sound, but the life and memories carried through their music.