The Dunbar Difference
Every Dunbar bagpipe begins with a tradition that traces back to the legendary Peter Henderson shop in Glasgow, where founder Jack Dunbar apprenticed before emigrating to Canada. For over 55 years, our workshop in St. Catharines, Ontario, has carried that legacy forward — combining the tonal heritage of classic Henderson bores with modern precision and uncompromising build quality.
Today, under the stewardship of master craftsman Rick Pettigrew — widely regarded as one of the most trusted bagpipe restoration experts in the world — Dunbar Bagpipes produces instruments that honour history, inspire confidence, and deliver performance you can rely on for decades.
Our Collection
African Blackwood Series (DB1–DB7)
For the discerning piper, African Blackwood offers tonal warmth, rich resonance, and a depth of character unmatched by synthetics. Each DB model is turned, combed, and beaded to exacting standards, with options for aluminum alloy, imitation ivory, natural woods such as Holly or Cocobolo, or hand-engraved sterling silver mounts.
- DB1–DB4: Elegant and understated, with mount and finish options to suit personal style.
- DB5–DB7: Premium engraved metalwork, heirloom-grade presentation, and competition-level tone.
Perfect for elite soloists, top-tier bands, and ceremonial occasions where both sound and appearance matter.
More about our African Blackwood Series
Polypenco Series (P1–P3)
Built for the demands of modern performance, our polypenco (Delrin) pipes are virtually maintenance-free, weatherproof, and backed by a lifetime warranty.
- P1: Simple, plain-turned durability for entry-level players.
- P2–P3: Combed-and-beaded profiles with mount options to match your band’s aesthetic.
Favoured by police, fire, military, and civilian pipe bands worldwide for their consistency, resilience, and value.
More about our Polypenco Series
Signature Collection
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.
More about our Signature Collection
Custom + Commissioned Builds
For players seeking something truly unique, we offer custom commissions and historically accurate reproductions. Whether it’s a MacDougall, Robertson, or Henderson-style reproduction, every detail — from bore profile to mount style — is crafted with fidelity to the original.
Craft + Provenance
- Materials: Sustainably sourced African Blackwood and precision-machined polypenco.
- Turning & Voicing: Every pipe is hand turned and finished in our Ontario workshop, tested for tonal balance and tuning stability.
- Heritage: A direct line to the Henderson tradition, informed by decades of restoration work on the world’s finest vintage pipes.
Learn more about our Custom services
Testimonials + Legacy
Dunbar pipes are played on competition platforms, parade grounds, and concert stages around the world. From solo gold medalists to full ceremonial bands, our clients share one thing in common — trust in an instrument built to last.