Tradition in Every Note
African Blackwood has long been the gold standard of Great Highland Bagpipes — celebrated for its warmth, tonal complexity, and projection. At Dunbar, every Blackwood set reflects our Henderson lineage, carrying forward the tonal balance and craftsmanship that have made these instruments legendary for generations.
Each model is hand turned, combed, and beaded to exacting standards, with only properly seasoned Blackwood chosen for stability and a rich, mature sound that improves with age. Mount options range from imitation ivory and alloy to exotic woods and fully hand-engraved sterling silver, offering a progression from elegant simplicity to heirloom artistry.
The Models
DB1 – Antique Simplicity
Plain-turned African Blackwood with button mounts — understated and traditional.
- Chalice-style drone tops
- Blackwood ferrules, rings, and button mounts
- Elite II poly pipe chanter (standard)
- Affordable entry into the richness of Blackwood tone.
Best for: Learners and traditionalists seeking simplicity and heritage.
DB2 – Half Metal / Half Imitation
Fully combed and beaded with a mix of alloy and imitation ivory mounts.
- Imitation ivory projecting mounts and underbushings
- Plain alloy ferrules and ring caps
- Poly blowpipe and stock
- Combines tradition with durability.
Best for: Bands and players who want a classic look at an accessible price.
DB3 – Full Imitation Elegance
A uniform imitation ivory-mounted set with fully combed and beaded drones.
- Threaded imitation ivory ferrules, rings, bushings, and mounts
- Elite II poly chanter (standard)
- Striking regulation-style look with the steadiness of Blackwood tone.
Best for: Pipers who want visual impact and tonal depth at a mid-range budget.
DB4 – Engraved Metal Statement
Blackwood tone paired with full engraved alloy mounts for prestige and durability.
- Engraved projecting mounts, ferrules, slides, and ring caps
- Classic Henderson-inspired sound profile
- Combines artistry with resilience.
Best for: Pipers wanting a commanding stage presence without stepping into silver.
DB5 – Plain Silver Mounts
The entry into heirloom-grade silver.
- Half set of plain sterling silver mounts
- Poly-lined Blackwood blowpipe & stock
- Blackwood chanter
- Traditional look elevated with precious metal.
Best for: Players seeking the longevity and prestige of silver without engraving.
DB6 – Half Engraved Silver
Sterling silver mounts with exquisite hand-engraving by David Davidse of Truehand Engraving.
- Half set of engraved silver (ferrules, slides, ring caps, mouthpiece tube)
- Poly-lined Blackwood blowpipe & stock
- Rich sound, museum-worthy details.
Best for: Performers who want both artistry and tonal excellence.
DB7 – Full Engraved Silver
The pinnacle of Dunbar craftsmanship — heirloom pipes to treasure for generations.
- Fully mounted in engraved sterling silver
- Engraving by David Davidse, one of the finest in the trade
- Poly-lined Blackwood blowpipe & stock
- The ultimate combination of tone, artistry, and legacy.
Best for: Collectors, competitors, and pipers who demand the very best.
Options + Upgrades
- Hand engraving by David Davidse (Truehand Engraving)
- Mounts: imitation ivory, natural ivory alternatives, holly, cocobolo, alloy, or sterling silver
- Custom cords, bags, and presentation cases
A Legacy Instrument
From the understated DB1 to the heirloom-grade DB7, Dunbar Blackwood pipes deliver the tonal depth, stability, and presence serious pipers demand. Each model offers a step up in look, detail, and prestige — but every set carries the same Dunbar sound, trusted worldwide.
Signature Collection
Distinctive Craft and Aesthetic
For over a century, pipers had to choose between power, sweetness, or balance. Today, you don’t have to. Dunbar Bagpipes unites all three traditions: Glasgow’s commanding projection, Edinburgh’s refined elegance, and Inverness’s timeless nobility — a modern bagpipe crafted for every stage, from the band hall to the solo platform.
At Dunbar, our tonal signature is unmistakable: a broad-shouldered, muscular sound with bold projection and resonant harmonics. Our drones produce a pronounced “buzz” and rich wall of sound that locks in easily and stays steady. Whether in a band circle or on the solo stage, Dunbar pipes deliver clarity, power, and consistency.
The Jack Dunbar Signature Collection
Bold, powerful, and unshakeably steady — the commanding voice of Dunbar.
A bold, full silver-mounted African Blackwood tribute to our Glasgow-born founder, Jack Dunbar. Jack began his career at Henderson before establishing Dunbar in 1967, and this collection reflects the pinnacle of his legacy.
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Design: Hand-selected, hand-turned African Blackwood in a thicker, bolder profile, echoing the classic Glasgow “band hall” sound.
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Tone: Massive projection, harmonic depth, and tonal consistency — a commanding, steady voice that fills fields and halls alike.
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Character: Rugged turning, bold profile, and unshakeable stability. Soloists may find it raw compared to lighter chanters, but that “bigness” is intentional — engineered for power, projection, and authority.
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Craft: Includes a poly-lined Blackwood blowpipe and blowpipe stock to protect against moisture cracking. Covered by a five-year warranty on craftsmanship and materials.
Pricing includes sticks, stocks, blowpipe, and Blackwood pipe chanter. Bags, reeds, and accessories are available as options.
Customize your Signature Series set
The Dunbar Classic Series
Big Dunbar tone with slim, elegant lines — refined tradition made modern.
The Classic Series delivers Dunbar’s bold, steady sound in a refined Edinburgh-style exterior — slimmer, lighter, and elegant in form. Inspired by the historic Glens, this series pairs big, resonant Glasgow tone with slender, aristocratic aesthetics.
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Form: Slimmer drone and stock profiles that taper with grace.
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Turning: Finer combing, tighter spacing, and meticulous detail.
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Mounts: Smaller, more restrained mounts in aluminum or ivory. Engraving, if chosen, is tasteful and understated.
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Style: Refined, genteel, and aristocratic — pipes that look as elegant as they sound.
Available in African Blackwood and Polypenco with full customization in mounts and finish. Ideal for pipers who want the sound of a band pipe in a lighter, more elegant build.
Customize your Classic Series set
Reproductions
For pipers who want an instrument as unique as their playing, Dunbar also offers both custom commissions and historically faithful reproductions. Whether you dream of a 19th-century MacDougall, a wartime Robertson, or a Henderson built to vintage bore specifications, we can bring it to life.
Visit reproductions.
Customize your set today — or contact us to begin building an heirloom of your own.