I am blessed with two amazing instruments.

Peter Henderson started his bagpipe-making business in 1880 in Glasgow, Scotland. Henderson bagpipes are known for their bold bass sound that is distinct but complements the two tenor drones. The dimensions of this bagpipe have been reproduced by various makers through the years in an attempt to recreate and even improve upon the legendary Henderson sound.

RG Hardie acquired Henderson bagpipes around 1970. My Peter Henderson pipes were made at RG Hardie of Glasgow in 2007. The serial number on these pipes is 07084 and they were turned by Tim Gellaitry and Duncan Campbell, with a combined 60-years experience. These pipes are made from African Blackwood and have Celtic engraved nickel ferrules, slides, and ring caps with imitation ivory projecting mounts. This stand of pipes was a Christmas present from my family.

Roderick "Roddy" MacLellan is a Glasgow native and one of a handful of Master Bagpipe Makers who take the time to make bagpipes "the old fashioned way." Roddy's pipes are known for their unique drone profile and for having a very steady, enveloping sound. Roddy's instruments are hand-turned from wood that has been air dried (as opposed to kiln dried) for several years. All ferrules and projecting mounts are threaded on and glued into place. The quality of workmanship is unsurpassed in any pipe, vintage or modern.

My MacLellan bagpipes are made of Cocobolo wood with sterling silver ferrules, slides and ring caps and moose antler projecting mounts. Roddy is also a silversmith and the design on these pipes, the Kells Knot, is one of his own creations which reflects my Irish heritage. Moose antler was chosen for the projecting mounts since my wife and I honeymooned in Alaska (although the only moose we saw was in the Anchorage Zoo). These pipes are unique and produce an amazingly warm tone. As a bonus, Roddy and his family now live in the Carolinas

Mike proudly plays Peter Henderson and handcrafted MacLellan bagpipes.