R. G. Lawrie 1940 and later
R G Lawrie bagpipes are pretty much hard to figure out after 1940. The look changed to something less elegant than those that came earlier and the sound and performance was generally awful. The sound was very quiet and later, in the 1970's, they were extremely flat-tuning. Just way more bother than they were worth....with one notable exception. Whoever was making Lawrie's flat-combed chalice-top bagpipe did an incredible job. Allisdair Gillies must have agreed.
I found the bagpipe at the left at an estate auction in Indiana. It had been purchased new and never played. There are a few bagpipes that I regret having sold. This set is at the top of the list. Just an amazing blend of tenors and bass.
1960's Lawrie bagpipe with catalin mounts (below). There is just nothing about this bagpipe that I like. It makes me wonder why they would fiddle with the classic design on the early elegant Lawrie bagpipes. Lots of issues in sound and behavior as well.
In for refurb. Purchased new in 1959
Just a peek at a 1940 Lawrie bottom mount. Note the fat bead, which started growing in the mid to late 1930's.
