 
One hundred years from now, when all of us are dead and gone, piping enthusiasts will gather and talk
about the greatest makers of all time. The names of true Master Makers like Donald MacDonald, Duncan
MacDougall will be brought forward for consideration... and Dave Atherton.
Having spent the better
part of my life studying and documenting bagpipes and having played more bagpipes than any man has a
right to in one lifetime, I am absolutely certain that Dave Atherton bagpipes will endure and become
as valued and respected as the very best of the classic bagpipes of bygone years.
Dave's primary
bagpipe is patterned after Duncan MacDougall's famous bagpipe, produced from about 1857 into the 1890's.
I understand from Dave that he will also build a Henderson bore bagpipe or custom-make a bagpipe to
your specifications.
Dave's site is here D. M. Atherton Bagpipes however it's still under
construction. No doubt Dave will have a ton of great content and pictures up soon.
|
|
 |
Not surprisingly, Dave is concentrating on the top end of the market. Bagpipes are offered in African
blackwood, Ebony, and Cocus wood. Fittings are offered in Mammoth, Elephant , Narwhal, and Walrus Ivory.
Dave also has at least one silver pattern that is proprietary to his bagpipe, engraved by perhaps the
best engraver on the planet today.
If you're interested in an Atherton bagpipe, please contact
me. I'm happy to help you navigate through the choices and to introduce you to Dave.
|
|
|
Two good looking men, Ringo and Dave. We go to the same barber but different gyms.
|
|
 |
|
Update January 7, 2008 - Since the announcement that Dave would be making a bagpipe modelled after early
Duncan MacDougall bagpipes there has been speculation over whether or not Dave could capture the legendary
MacDougall sound. I picked up my Atherton MD bagpipe on January 6 on my way back to St. John's in Wisconsin.
I tied on a new Scotian bag, popped in a set of Mark Lee's glass fibre Rockets, and headed to the chapel
on campus.
|
|
Click here to download file - My thoughts? On my shoulder I thought the pipes were outstanding.
Rich. Bold. Vibrant. Lots of color. Easy to tune. Very resonant. One more file. Honestly, I
knew the drones were good however when I listened to the sound file I heard something else. There is
a haunting quality to the sound, almost soul wrenching.
|
|
