Great Highland Bagpipes These are what first comes to mind when we think of “Bagpipes.” Kilted pipers marching in parades, a lone piper on the battlements of a Scottish castle or moor, the sound heard above the noise of battle- the Great Highland Pipes were there. This majestic instrument invokes half-remembered images of distant ancestors and foreign lands, powerful emotions from great joy and wonder to deep sorrow. Perfect for occasions you want to be remembered- Highland Pipes are loud and proud. Don’t ask for them to be turned down- with no volume control they’re either loud or off! Click here to hear sounds sample of the Great Highland Bagpipe Scottish Smallpipes Sometimes called ‘Chamber pipes’ these are the quieter, sweeter cousin of the Great Highland Pipes. A bit softer than a violin, these are a great alternative or addition if you’re looking for something a bit more “background” or in smaller spaces- just right to keep the Celtic flavor going during cocktail hour after your wedding ceremony. Click here to hear sound samples of the Scottish Smallpipe Irish Uilleann Pipes If you’re wanting that plaintive, haunting sound from Enya or the theme from “Titanic” these are the pipes for you. Quieter than the Great Highland Pipes but louder than the Smallpipes, this instrument has a greater range than the other two and carries a particularly haunting quality in slow tunes. It’s important to note that the Uilleann pipes can only be played while seated so don’t be looking for any marching! Click here to hear sound samples of the Irish Uilleann Pipes Irish? Scottish? What’s the deal? People often think of the Great Highland Pipes as Irish and this is not wrong. They are often referred to in Ireland as the “Warpipes” and have been played throughout Ireland for countless years. Though the Uilleann pipes are closely associated with Ireland they are also commonly played in Scotland as well. |