CAMERON BAGPIPES

Design

DISADVANTAGES OF TRADITIONAL DESIGN
Long before we started work on a prototype of the new Cameron Bagpipes, we took a long hard look at traditional bagpipe design. We found several features ripe for improvement. For example:-

Tuning
The difficulty involved in tuning the bagpipes if the hemp joint on the tuning pin is too slack or too tight.

Blowing
The amount of effort needed to fill the bag when the hemp in the stock joints dries out letting air leak away.

Maintenance
Hemp needs to be constantly maintained. This fact is often forgotten about by the non-professional player and causes problems.

Appearance
The dense Blackwood has no grain and lacks the subtle aesthetic effects of paler wood. Plastic substitutes may also cause wetting of the reeds. Silver loses its lustre and needs frequent polishing to keep it bright.

Ecology
The use of scarce materials such as african blackwood raises questions about sustainable natural resources.

ADVANTAGES OF NEW CAMERON BAGPIPES DESIGN
After an in-depth study of these areas, we drew up a specification with improved features and standards. These included everything from raw material quality and engineering tolerances to testing procedures.

Tuning
By eliminating cork and hemp from our design and utilising thermoplatics and neoprene, we have developed unique joints that do not react to changes in the atmosphere. This means that they do not swell or shrink and feel the same every time the instrument is tuned.

Our new design also allows lubrication of the tuning slides, which means that they always move freely and easily.

Blowing
Using this new technology in the stocks makes the bag more airtight than hemp. This means less blowing, saving energy.

Maintenance
Cameron joints are designed to minimise maintenance. Occasional lubrication of the tuning slides is all that may be required. Cameron joints will last for years and, in the event of 'o' rings needing to be replaced, this can be done easily in a matter of seconds.

Appearance
To minimise cleaning and buffing, we chose imitation ivory or polished aluminium for our mounts and ferrules. They are both easy to maintain and enhance the appearance of our pipes.

Ecology
The Millennium Forest Initiative, currently being undertaken by the Scottish Government, is regenerating the oak forests of the north west highlands to ensure the sustainability of Scottish oak in the longer term.