SOLD – This is the oldest and one of the most significant sets we’ve had on the site. Donald MacDonald made pipes from approximately 1800 until 1840 and his influences are still apparent today.

This set was owned for many years by a piper in Victoria, British Columbia, who purchased them as a set of MacDougalls. Though the set was not stamped, the visuals checked out with known MacDonald sets, convincing at least three vintage bagpipe experts that these are indeed Donald MacDonald pipes.

As might be expected of an instrument that is nearly 200 years old, there have been some repairs.  Invisible whipping has been done on the bass top, one tenor top, and the lower portion of the bass middle.

All pieces appear to be original except for the blowpipe, which is a poly-lined replica with a nicely matching holly mount. The tenor rings appear to be elephant ivory, as does one bass projecting mount, and these are likely replacements.

The tenor bottoms have at some point had brass sleeves installed, almost certainly to make the drones tune higher.

Tonally, the drones are marvellous: quite robust, rich and steady.

To see a video on this instrument and to hear it played in studio conditions, please click here.