Trusted by the world’s most discerning pipers.
At Dunbar Bagpipes, restoration isn’t just a service — it’s a craft. With more than six decades of experience and the finest tools in the trade, we specialize in bringing vintage, heirloom, and well-worn instruments back to life with uncompromising care and precision.
Led by Rick Pettigrew — widely regarded as one of the world’s top restoration experts — Dunbar’s workshop has handled over 500 historic sets, including those entrusted to us by piping legend Jim McGillivray. If Jim trusts us with his pipes, you can too.
Want to see examples of our restoration work? Visit our archive of vintage pipes restored for Jim McGillivray.
Why Choose Dunbar for Restoration?
World-Class Reputation
We’ve restored and refurbished instruments for solo champions, collectors, and professional pipers around the globe.
Bespoke Craftsmanship
From invisible whipping and pin-to-joint repairs to full refinishing and part fabrication, we treat every set like a museum piece.
Materials Expertise
Whether your pipes are African Blackwood, cocuswood, ebony, or polypenco, we use time-tested methods specific to each wood type — including our own custom tooling.
Legacy Work, Modern Standards
We’re not in the business of shortcuts. We restore pipes to their best playing condition — and often, their most beautiful.
Services We Offer
- Full strip and hand-rubbed, friction wax refinishing
- Invisible whipping for cracked cocus or ebony
- Pin-to-joint repairs without replacing entire parts
- Custom replacement of projecting mounts, ferrules, ring caps, and more
- Upgrades in silver, aluminum alloy, imitation ivory, moose antler, and more
- Exact match fabrication when repair is not possible
Replacement Parts
Sometimes repair isn’t enough — or the best solution is a new, precisely matched component. At Dunbar, we produce custom replacement parts that integrate seamlessly with your instrument, whether it’s a Dunbar or another maker’s pipes. From blowpipes to mouthpieces to stocks - each part is made to the same high standards as our instruments, ensuring both functional fit and tonal integrity.
Full Bagpipe Refurbishment
Restoring tone, beauty, and playability — for a lifetime of music.
When you send your pipes for a full refurbishment, every detail is carefully attended to by hand. From initial assessment to the final polish, your instrument is treated with the respect it deserves.
What’s Included
Inspection + Preparation
- Complete assessment and careful dismantling of all parts
Restoration + Care
- Hand-oiling of all wooden components to preserve and protect
- Cleaning and brightening of mounts and ferrules
- Re-fitting and securing of any loose mounts or ferrules
Precision Finishing
- Four-stage polish on both wood and metalwork
- Reaming of tuning chambers (if necessary) to restore full tuning range
Optional Enhancements
- Light wood skim to refresh and smooth surfaces
- Re-combing and beading where required for a crisp, original finish
Playability + Setup
- Full re-hemping and setup for stable, responsive play
- Cleaning and polishing of all bores
- Final buffing on the wheel for a professional, lasting finish
The Result
Your bagpipes returned in peak condition — stable, resonant, and ready to inspire years of music.
Please Note: Additional repairs such as crack repair, filling gaps around loose mounts, or other structural issues are not included in the package price. If we discover any such work is required, we will contact you before proceeding to explain the issue and provide an estimate for the additional cost. No extra work will be undertaken without your approval.
Have a Set That Needs Expert Attention?
Whether your pipes require a minor repair, a new part, or a full heirloom-quality restoration, Dunbar offers the expertise and craftsmanship to do it right.
Contact us for a quote.