Displaying Bagpipes

[OC Richard]

Thanks for some great examples, Richard. I think I tend to like the last arrangement - blow pipe up and chanter beneath the bag. There is no cover on the bag currently, so I have some flexibility there and with the background.

You're welcome!

Do you have photos of your dad playing the pipes?

What I would probably do it try to dress the pipes the way they were dressed when he played them.

Be aware that the fashion of dressing pipes has changed over the years. From Victorian times up to the 1970s when I started playing tartan wool bag-covers with matching tartan wool fringe, and matching wool or silk cords, were standard.

In the 1980s plain velveteen covers became standard, usually with gold or silver metallic fringe. The cords often matched the velveteen colour, or were silver or gold to match the fringe.

Now in the 21st century the covers are usually corduroy with "gimp" trim rather than fringe. Those wouldn't have been around when your dad was playing unless he was playing recently.

BTW there's a recent fad for tweed bag covers and all sorts of novelty bag covers



If you're going to purchase a new bag cover I highly recommend Alasdair MacDonald in the UK http://www.bagpipecovers.com/

I think he makes the best bag covers available anywhere.

[Navy87Guy]

You're welcome!

Do you have photos of your dad playing the pipes?

What I would probably do it try to dress the pipes the way they were dressed when he played them.

Be aware that the fashion of dressing pipes has changed over the years. From Victorian times up to the 1970s when I started playing tartan wool bag-covers with matching tartan wool fringe, and matching wool or silk cords, were standard.

In the 1980s plain velveteen covers became standard, usually with gold or silver metallic fringe. The cords often matched the velveteen colour, or were silver or gold to match the fringe.

Now in the 21st century the covers are usually corduroy with "gimp" trim rather than fringe. Those wouldn't have been around when your dad was playing unless he was playing recently.

BTW there's a recent fad for tweed bag covers and all sorts of novelty bag covers



If you're going to purchase a new bag cover I highly recommend Alasdair MacDonald in the UK http://www.bagpipecovers.com/

I think he makes the best bag covers available anywhere.

Thanks again, Richard!

I think my Mom may have some photos of him playing. The only ones I have of him are from when he was a drummer (He played snare and tenor before switching over to the pipes).

I think I recall the bag cover being a Kelly green velveteen, but I’m not positive. The pipe band we played in (I played tenor and bass) has its own registered tartan, so that’s the only one I would consider - but I doubt it’s widely available so a plain bag cover is probably he way to go.