Playing A Set of Rare (c.1830) Donald MacDonald Bagpipes

In this episode of “The Pipe Box”, Gold Medallist, Jim McGillivray explains the relevance of Donald MacDonald then showcases a rare find - a set of (1830) Donald MacDonald pipes. Matt MacIsaac (@MattMacIsaacMusic) was gracious enough to play three tunes on them (“Farewell My Love”, “Lady In the Bottle”, and “House On The Hill”) then sit down to briefly discuss.
These rare 1830 Donald MacDonald bagpipes are made out of cocuswood (aka Jamaican Ebony), a dense hardwood with excellent tonal qualities. The ivory is marine ivory made from walrus tusks. Finding a set of vintage Donald MacDonald bagpipes is like finding a unicorn - as there are so few examples remaining today.
Donald MacDonald's (1767-1840) impact lies in the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of the Great Highland Bagpipes he created between 1806 and 1840. His instruments are considered some of the finest examples of traditional Scottish bagpipe making.
Donald notably established, what we know today as, the "Edinburgh-style” bagpipe. Musicians and enthusiasts alike appreciate the rich tone, craftsmanship, and precision of MacDonald's bagpipes. His work influenced subsequent generations of bagpipe makers, shaping the standards for excellence in this craft.
Donald MacDonald also composed several Piobaireachd settings including the "Ancient Martial Music of Caledonia”. He had a profound impact on the music of his time and his legacy continues today.
Have questions or an idea for a future episode? Email us at [e-mail]. This episode is brought to you by www.bagpiping.ca and www.pipetunes.ca
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[@thebaron5206]

It would be cool to hear a Donald MacDonald setting Piobaireachd played on this set!

[@marcrogers1741]

Would like to see the original chanter played with b flat reeds. ( what they first had, just imagine the haunting sound

[@toddschroeder2465]

Loved this. Will look forward to more videos of vintage pipes. Would also enjoy videos of your reproduction vintage pipes.

[@profpestinc]

Thank you for a wonderful presentation of history Jim! Hearing a few tunes on them was an added treat. Thank you Matt!

[@ericfreyssinet2537]

I have seen and heard a copy of this amazing set made by the late pipe maker Pierre Blanchet (Trignac britanny France) for Patrick Molard. The drone sound is realy amazing ! Andrew Frater was thé maker or thé chanter Reed as such a chanter need a spécial adapted Reed .
Thanks for your video.

[@ceolmor]

Thanks for that Jim. And, Matt for a great tune on a nicely balanced pipe. I am always interested in vintage pipes, having a few in the collection. I am curious about the diameter of the bores. The Henderson's, Macdougall's and a set of WWI Glen's (J&R metal alloy) all have a much larger bore than most modern drones.

[@austindiepenhorst2494]

What a cannon!

[@williamlavallee8916]

Fantastic, really liked the Bf. Reeding comment would have been appreciated. kindest regards for the history tour as well.

[@thecolumbusbagpiper]

Any insight to the recording setup during Matt's performance? Looks like two drone mics, and a chanter mic. Interested to know who the sound/video all came together! Thanks.

[@Pipetunes]

We had two microphones (up top) on the drones and one (on the bottom) covering the chanter (and all three's levels balanced in Garageband.) We tried a few different takes with different positions and this configuration captured the actual sound best. The sound was then added and synced to the video in post production. Hope that helps!

[@fftoto]

That was great. Any idea on where to find the music for the tune Farewell my Love? I was able to find the jigs on PipeTunes but not he slow air. Nice tunes, all of them.

[@Pipetunes]

It’s not on Pipetunes but is available in Allan MacDonald’s first book if it helps.

[@fftoto]

Great thank you
@@Pipetunes

[@rookie2shoes735]

Henderson Cane reeds for the drones??????

[@Pipetunes]

No sir. Synthetic.