We are delighted to produce pipe bags from the 4 excellent hides: Cowhide, Goatskin, Sheepskin and Sheepskin Premium. We have learned that there is a very dedicated group of “Hide Bag Players” around the world. Cowhide is the easiest to maintain of all the hides. It is extremely airtight, requires almost no seasoning, almost never leaks and produces a beautiful, natural sound. We are also very pleased to offer the “Gandy” cut. This bag was designed by Bruce Gandy, one of the world’s great pipers. Just let us know which pipe bag is best suited for you.
Goatskin is very close to sheepskin in tonal quality. We would say you can get about 90% of the greatness of sheep with much less maintenance. When a goatskin is going well you can hardly tell the difference from sheepskin. Goatskin usually need less seasoning, costs the same but lasts longer. Goatskin is very good value for the money.
Sheepskin is often regarded as the “best” hide for many players. When a sheepskin pipe bag is at its best it is hard to beat for tone, richness, resonance and harmonics. There is a little extra magic in the sound when sheepskin is being played and serious pipers and top pipe bands know this. But the trade-off is that it requires more maintenance than other bags. Most grade 1 pipe bands play sheepskin because to them the extra bit of work is well worth it to get the special sound.
*Please enquire about delivery time - these bags may have to be special order - Carefully select size and options*
