Blair Campbell's Product Reviews

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  Piper's Pal Reed Protector , September 20th, 2010

  Keeps your chanter reed moist enough to play, but dry enough to prevent mould from forming, all the while protecting the reed from physical damage. A great product!
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  Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone Reeds , September 20th, 2010

  Nice rich tone and not even remotely as temperamental as cane. As with any drone reeds, excess moisture can cause undesired effects, so be sure to use a moisture control system to make your playing more enjoyable.
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  Blow Pipe Flapper Valve , September 20th, 2010

  Very simple but effective blowpipe valve, have used the same one for almost 2 years. Keep a spare handy in case yours gets bumped or torn. Easy to install.
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  Kinnaird Kanister Moisture Control , September 20th, 2010

  If you have a Bannatyne bag, it seals in ALL the moisture from your breath. This will eventually wreak havoc with your drones, and worse yet, cause wooden pipes to crack and split. Do NOT try to cut corners by rationalizing that you are a ‘dry blower’, there is no such thing with a Bannatyne bag. This Kanister system is worth every penny, both for protecting your pipes, and for making your playing sessions more enjoyable.
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  Reed Protector Plastic , September 20th, 2010

  My blowpipe is removed at the end of every session to allow it and the bag to dry out properly. I use the Piper's Pal Reed Protector to keep the chanter reed moist, and one of these to protect the blowpipe flapper valve.
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  Wallace Classic 1 Bagpipes , September 20th, 2010

  If you want a no-frills set of pipes with the same sound as those with ‘ivory’ and ornate engraved nickel, this is it. You’ll get a fine set of pipes without having to pay extra for the ornamentation.
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  Mouthpiece Protector , September 20th, 2010

  Cushions your teeth, lips and your mouthpiece. Mandatory equipment, in my opinion, and be sure to carry a spare.
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  Drone Stoppers , September 20th, 2010

  A must for new pipers, plug the drones and open them up (one, then two, then all three) as your wind and technique improve. Also handy for tuning drones by yourself, as well as quickly plugging one off if it refuses to co-operate when you’re about to perform. Consider the Maintenance Kit for your Bagpipes rather than purchase items separately.
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  Stock Stoppers , September 20th, 2010

  Use in conjunction with drone stoppers to find air leaks that waste your wind and energy. Plug the chanter stock with one of these, plug the drones with drone stoppers, puff up your bag and inspect the entire system for leaks. Consider the Maintenance Kit for your Bagpipes rather than purchase items separately.
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  Reed Absorb , September 20th, 2010

  These little devices will amaze you at their ability to wick up moisture and prevent dripping where it’s not wanted. My practice chanter reed always has one attached.
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  Tie-In Cord , September 20th, 2010

  This is an essential piece for everyone’s emergency kit, because you are NEVER ready for a stock to come loose.
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  Waxed Black Hemp , September 20th, 2010

  Don’t waste your time with unwaxed hemp, this is far superior.
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  Waxed Yellow Hemp , September 20th, 2010

  Don’t waste your time with unwaxed hemp, this is far superior.
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  Walsh 2 Drone Shuttle Pipes great, September 20th, 2010

  Nice for playing in situations where you don't need/want the volume of the GHB. Also they are tuned to A=440, so you can add to your enjoyment by being able to play with other musical instruments.
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  Drone Extenders , September 20th, 2010

  Newer pipes tune at an increasingly higher pitch, but our band still tunes around 466-468. Drone extenders were required on my new pipes to keep the drones from falling off the end when adjusting. Even if you don’t need drone extenders right now, you might want to keep a set for tuning down to play with another band, or in a mass band situation.
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  Clan Crested Cap Badge , September 20th, 2010

  Normally your band will have a standard kilt. Kilt pins and cap badges are a great way to add a touch of your own personal heritage to your uniform.
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  Clan Crested Kilt Pins , September 20th, 2010

  Normally your band will have a standard kilt. Kilt pins and cap badges are a great way to add a touch of your own personal heritage to your uniform.
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  Plain Yellow Hemp , September 20th, 2010

  I can’t understand why anyone would use unwaxed hemp any more. Changing moisture levels cause it to swell and then shrink, resulting in joints that are too tight or too loose. Move to waxed hemp, which sheds the moisture, and make your life easier.