Marr
The Highland Bagpipe Company was set up in June 2010 by Derek and Sarah Marr. Derek has been making pipes for over 10 years and has worked for several pipe makers including Bannatyne, Pettigrew and Wallace before “going solo”.
Here at the Highland Bagpipe Company we believe that in order to get a truly beautiful instrument,
bagpipes should be made the traditional way – by hand. That’s why we guarantee that every set of Marr Bagpipes you buy will be hand turned by our master craftsman Derek Marr.
As well as making and refurbishing bagpipes, Derek is an extremely competent player who has spent most of his years playing for Grade 1 and Grade 2 pipe bands as well as competing on the solo scene.
Sarah is also a competant bass and tenor drummer and played for many years for The Vale of Atholl pipe band before going to Polkemmet where she met Derek. And latterly both played with Lanark and District where Derek was Pipe Major.
All Marr bagpipes are stamped “Marr Bagpipes” on the bass drone just under the cord holder, plus every bass stock is stamped with a number. They also come with a Quality certificate with the number thats on the bass stock and with the date they are made.
Derek’s pipes are of the highest quality not only in the sound they produce, but also in his workmanship.
Whilst Derek was at Bannatyne I was kindly sent a set to try. They were well finished and well presented, once I blew them I knew these were a quality pipe. The tenors lock in very well and the bass has a nice deep warm sound.
The drones once played will only need the slightest touch to bring them into tune, a very stable and well balanced drone sound.
These pipes are well into their 2-3rd years blowing and have settled well into a first class instrument, so much so I’ve decided to purchase a second set which I am going over to collect from the workshop.
Superb instrument which many grade 1 judges and other well established pipers here in N.Ireland have commented on rgarding their tonal qualities, I would have no second thoughts on recomending Derek Marrs pipes to anyone, good quality, good service and after sales, but above all a well made hand crafted instrument at a very good price.
Iain McClean ( N.Ireland )