Inventor rocks out with homemade electromagnetic bagpipes | Science Magazine
Bagpipes, an instrument that provokes strong emotions, are either loved or despised by those who come into contact with them. A dedicated artist from the United Kingdom decided to take his passion for the bagpipes one step further by creating an electromagnetic version of the traditional instrument. This ambitious project began nearly three decades ago in 1996 when the artist altered an Irish Uilleann bagpipe chanter by replacing the traditional reed with a custom-made carbon steel one.
While bagpipes are most famously associated with Scotland, various types of bagpipes can be found in different regions globally, including North Africa, East Asia, and the Persian Gulf. For instance, the Uilleann or Irish bagpipes have origins dating back to the 18th century. Similar to Scottish bagpipes, Uilleann pipes involve a player using small bellows to blow air through reeds while operating them like flutes. These pipes can cover two complete octaves and produce a sound that’s considered more melodic and gentle compared to Scottish bagpipes.
Electric bagpipes introduce an innovative twist to the traditional instrument, incorporating a carbon steel reed that connects to an amplifier. While bagpipes are traditionally loud instruments that were used on the battlefield to boost morale, the advent of electric instruments raised new challenges. The artist behind the modernized bagpipes aimed to play in a rock band and knew he needed to equip his instrument with an electromagnetic pickup next to a steel reed to compete against electric guitars.
Constructing an electric bagpipe with a steel reed circumvents many issues faced by traditional bagpipes amplified with microphones. Due to the proximity of speakers and high-level noise pickup, conventional microphones can introduce unwanted feedback and background noise. By replacing the reed with steel, the electric bagpipe artist enables electronic effects similar to those used by guitarists, like distortion, pitch shifters, and delays, providing a unique sound experience.
In addition to the innovative reed, the bellows bag made from goat skin adds to the allure of the electric bagpipes. The outer bag casing is constructed from vinyl, like that used in car seat covers, adding a modern touch to the instrument. While the full construction plans aren’t readily accessible, the artist’s webpage features original songs that showcase the distinctive sound of the electromagnetic bagpipes.
By merging traditional craftsmanship with innovative technology, the artist has proven that even age-old instruments like bagpipes can be electrified to adapt to modern musical settings. The creation of electric bagpipes not only challenges the boundaries of traditional music but also opens up new possibilities for artists to experiment with sound and push the boundaries of musical expression.