As might be expected, the Henderson bagpipe changed over the years, both stylistically and tonally. Any assessment is, of course, subjective. It is generally accepted that the very earliest Henderson bagpipes were magnificent in every regard.
Both ebony and cocuswood were used extensively until somewhere around 1920-1930 when African Blackwood displaced them. This happened throughout the industry as the demand for bagpipes in other parts of the world demanded a more durable wood.
Henderson lost many of their best turners during WWII. The quality of their instrument became inconsistent and did not compare to those Henderson bagpipes made prior to the war. It was not until the late 1960's that a re-styled Henderson bagpipe emerged with the sound and performance to match their pre-war instrument. Sadly, many orders were also farmed out to other makers so that any post-war instrument must be approached with some caution. I'll cover examples of this later.
Both ebony and cocuswood were used extensively until somewhere around 1920-1930 when African Blackwood displaced them. This happened throughout the industry as the demand for bagpipes in other parts of the world demanded a more durable wood.
Henderson lost many of their best turners during WWII. The quality of their instrument became inconsistent and did not compare to those Henderson bagpipes made prior to the war. It was not until the late 1960's that a re-styled Henderson bagpipe emerged with the sound and performance to match their pre-war instrument. Sadly, many orders were also farmed out to other makers so that any post-war instrument must be approached with some caution. I'll cover examples of this later.
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Pictures from within the shop in the early 1960's. Not what you'd expect to see from the world's biggest (and best) name in bagpipes. Following WWII it was said that the family did not invest in the company and things deteriorated badly.
Peter Henderson Ltd. 1932 - Manager Archie Mcphedran
1. Pre-1900
2. Full Metal
3. Silver and Ivory
4. Full Ivory
5. Nickel and Ivory
6. Casein & Catalin Mounts
7. Wood Mount
8. Henderson Stamps
9. Carved 1931 Henderson
10. When a Henderson isn't a Henderson
2. Full Metal
3. Silver and Ivory
4. Full Ivory
5. Nickel and Ivory
6. Casein & Catalin Mounts
7. Wood Mount
8. Henderson Stamps
9. Carved 1931 Henderson
10. When a Henderson isn't a Henderson
Peter Henderson Ltd.
Peter Henderson is known to have started his bagpipe making business in Glasgow in 1880, having taken over the premises of Donald MacPhee. As seen in the picture above, Henderson claimed the establishment of the business occurred in 1868. Jeannie Campbell covers the history and lineage of the Henderson bagpipe makers in great detail. There is what can be proven through old records and there is lore and miss-information that has been passed down over the years.
The Henderson bagpipe is preferred by bands and solo players alike for its powerful rich sound. Many of the very early Henderson bagpipes are ebony or cocus wood.
The Henderson bagpipe is preferred by bands and solo players alike for its powerful rich sound. Many of the very early Henderson bagpipes are ebony or cocus wood.
Considering the breadth and importance of Peter Henderson I have arranged his exhibit in the following manner: