Who Invented the Polypenco Bagpipe? The Story Starts at Dunbar

At Dunbar Bagpipes, innovation and tradition have always gone hand in hand. As the oldest bagpipe maker in North America, we’ve been crafting world-class Highland bagpipes since 1967. But we’re not just known for our craftsmanship — we’re also the inventors of the Polypenco (Delrin) bagpipe, a breakthrough that changed the piping world forever.

The Birth of the Polypenco Bagpipe

It happened right here in St. Catharines, Ontario, in 1968. Jack Dunbar — our founder and a master craftsman trained at the legendary Peter Henderson shop in Glasgow — set out to solve a problem pipers had faced for centuries: the unpredictability of wooden instruments in extreme weather.

His answer was Polypenco, a lightweight, incredibly durable, moisture-resistant material that could hold its tuning through rain, sun, and travel. The result was the first-ever weatherproof bagpipe, delivering the same steady tone and projection as traditional wood, but without the maintenance headaches.

Today, Polypenco bagpipes are a global standard — but Dunbar remains the original and the benchmark.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Before revolutionizing the piping world, Jack Dunbar honed his skills at Peter Henderson, one of the most respected bagpipe makers of the 20th century. That heritage of precision turning, tonal balance, and aesthetic refinement is still alive in every Dunbar instrument.

Our workshop continues to blend Scottish tradition with Canadian ingenuity, producing both bespoke African Blackwood bagpipes and our renowned Polypenco models. Whether it’s a competition-grade Blackwood set or a full band outfitted in matched poly pipes, Dunbar instruments are built to perform — and to last.

Why Pipers Choose Dunbar

* Heritage – Crafting excellence since 1967, rooted in Henderson tradition.
* Innovation – Inventors of the Polypenco bagpipe, setting the worldwide standard.
* Quality – Known for a rich, steady tone and unmatched durability.
* Versatility – From soloists to pipe bands, we offer models for every piper’s needs.

From Competitions to Parades — We’ve Got You Covered

A Dunbar bagpipe is more than an instrument — it’s a companion for every setting, from the solo platform to the parade route. Our African Blackwood pipes offer the warmth and tonal depth sought by top soloists, while our Polypenco pipes give bands and outdoor performers the confidence to play anywhere, anytime.

Join the tradition. Play the innovation.

Ready to find your perfect set of pipes? Contact Dunbar Bagpipes today and let us craft the instrument that will carry your music for decades to come.