Border pipe - Definition and Overview

The border pipe is a close cousin of the Highland bagpipe, and commonly confused with the Scottish smallpipe, although it is a quite different and much older instrument. With a conical chanter, three drones in a common stock, tuned as per Highland pipes or Scottish smallpipes, this bagpipe combines the Highland pipe tone with the more manageable key of A, and lower volume, suitable for playing in folk bands and at informal folk sessions. It is driven not by being blown by the player, but instead is supplied with air by a set of stout bellows. This has the advantage that it stops moisture (from the player's breath) condensing on the reeds, with consequent tuning changes. The name comes from Scotland's border country.