Bagpipe Bags
and moisture control systems
Bagpipe Bags
The bag part of a set of Bagpipes is literally an airtight bag holding air. The Bagpipe player can regulate its flow and fills the bag with breath. The Piper is able to maintain a continuous sound for some time.
Traditionally Bags were made from hides of local animals be they pigs, sheep, goats or cows. Over time the bags have developed and nowadays Bagpipe bags have been made with materials such as rubber and Gore-Tex.
For many years stocks would be integrated with the bags as best as possible and tied in. Newer bagpipe bags have rubber collars in the bag design for airtight fits.
In the 1990's a major innovation to the Pipes was the introduction of moisture control systems. They stop moisture from the Piper's breath condensing in the pipes, drones and reeds. This prevents early decay of the Bagpipes. Normally to fit a moisture control system you will need a Bagpipe bag with a zip. Naturally the zipper needs to be airtight as well.
Some piper's are ardent fans of sheepskin bags and cane drone reeds. The bag acts as a resonating chamber for the reeds and they say that a good hide or sheepskin bag gives your pipes a richer and more resonant tone. It has been said that sheepskin provides better regulation of pressure, better strike-in and much easier cut-off with no trailing drones.
Now some synthetic pipe bags have a hide outer and provide all the benefits of a sheepskin without the additional work of seasoning the bag.
Pipers - you should find what works for you. You will hear many conflicting statements about the 'ultimate set up' for your pipes but remember that sound is subjective so therefore what someone else prefers may not suit your ear.
Only natural bags need seasoning. Do not season a synthetic bag. A bag only needs seasoning when it begins to leak (usually around the stitching). If a bag is over seasoned, the seasoning creates a residue that clogs the holes to the drones and chanter and the drones and chanter themselves become clogged. Directions to season the bag can be found on commercial seasoning products.
Synthetic bags are relatively easy to care for. The most important thing is to keep the bag dry whenever possible. When not playing, the zipper should be left open; the water trap should be cleaned often. Proper drying of the synthetic bag can help it last longer than it would if it stayed moist. The zip should also be periodically lubricated.
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