I recently acquired a set of DM Atherton MD's to primarily use for band work to replace my existing set of David Naill pipes which I found to be rather heavy, in particular on extended practise days. As one can imagine deciding on a replacement for my Naill's was not easy as they are a quality set. I should not have been concerned! From my first discussion with Dave, through the purchasing process and ultimately receiving and now playing the pipes I could ask for nothing more. The instrument is exceptional, the service from Dave professional and the ongoing support much appreciated. I now use my Athertons for both band and individual competing and find them a pleasure to play.

Charles Gregory, Australia

This is just to let you know that I have now played the Legacy pipes a few times and I am totally thrilled. The drones really ARE fantastic - it simply sounds great :-) I am using a Sinclair chanter which I have had for a while - the tonal blend is wonderful. Thank you very much indeed for this quality instrument.

Beat Witschi, Switzerland

Hi Dave,

I was no doubt, one of many who rejoiced at your return to pipe making having thought that the ‘boat had sailed’ for acquiring a set of your pipes. What a fantastic journey it has been then, since discussing initial requirements for a set of your pipes with you last December to the safe receipt of my ‘2014 Atherton Legacy’ pipes with custom beading and combing, and premium engraved silver in thistle pattern. The instrument arrived safely on May 29, with all pieces individually wrapped and labelled. Opening each piece was a thrill in itself from which they immediately received their first oiling in accordance with you’re expertly prepared notes that accompanied the instrument; hence this delay in writing as this has continued in line with those instructions. What is immediately striking about this instrument is the quality of workmanship, manufacture and attention to detail coupled with their refined and elegant beauty.... continue reading

The Premier model has the best tone in any pipe I've played, w/ custom Rocket tenors and cane bass. Unbeatable. Not to mention the aesthetics. Well done.

Wayne Fenton

Hi, I just want to let you know that the Legacy pipes finally arrived… what a soundmaschien, I'm absolutely in love. Thanks a lot for all the support.

Nicola Hahn, Bavaria, Germany

I'm very impressed with the quality and detail of the workmanship. I blew up the pipes without chanter for a short time for the first blow and found I could easily tune all three drones together and was impressed with the tone and harmonics. At present the pipes are very good but as is to be expected with a new set, I can tell that as they are played more and more they will just continue to mature and improve. I am very pleased with them.

Alan Harrison, England

My new Atherton MD3 bagpipe arrived last week and everything about it is perfect. The attention to detail and the high quality of finish is remarkable. The beading and combing is very well defined and every mount is fitted perfectly to the obviously carefully selected blackwood.

The quality of the instrument is everything I expected and you have even hemped all the joints properly which is most appreciated.

This morning I fitted a new bag and put in the Rocket reeds you provided and immediately the drones produced exactly the tonal quality I was looking for. A rich, resonant but refined sound. Very easy to tune and very steady. I’m looking forward to enjoying playing this instrument in the days and years to come.

Superb craftsmanship, Dave, and thank you very much.

Cameron Edgar, Yorkshire, England
RSPBA Adjudicator. PDQB Instructor and Assessor

Hi Dave,

Just a follow up email to you, after some 6 months of owning a set of Atherton Premiers. My set of pipes are exquisite, the sound they produce is truly unique, and in combination with quality cane reeds and a sheepskin bag create , in my opinion, an un-surpassable instrument. The attention to detail & skill level you clearly demonstrated during the crafting of these pipes is stunningly obvious in the finished product, sound and look. For the serious player, solo or band, consideration of a purchase of your pipes is a must, regardless of price, you don't just receive a cosmetically pleasing product, but an instrument of real quality.

My thanks again Dave, for these premiers, no69 in your pipes gallery and I look forward to many happy years of playing them.

Best wishes,

Rob Thomas, Ireland

Hello Dave,

The pipes arrived in perfect condition at my brothers place on Thursday. What a wonderful instrument. The quality of the turning and the mirror-like bores show the effort you have put in making the pipes. Outstanding sound! I oiled them right away after unpacking and let the oil soak in over night. Setting them up and tuning was very easy and needed only a few minutes. I'm very happy with the set and it will probably be not the last set I will buy from you.

Thank you very much for all your efforts and support.

Kind regards,

Sven Kessler, Germany

Hi Dave,

Well, I have been playing the new pipe gradually in all week, and I have to say this is a great sounding bagpipe. I have had many many sets of bagpipes in my time as a player, and one time bagpipe supply business owner, and this bagpipe is the last I will ever buy (unless another from you). That was my plan when I asked you to make this set for me. You came through for me, and then some... my wife thanks you, lol. I will play this bagpipe proudly as I work with my band to get back to Glasgow Green main circle once again. Thanks again.

All the best,

Scott Russell -- Canada

Hi Dave,

Just thought I would drop you a quick email.

I have had my Legacy set for about 6 weeks now, and although not the ideal time of year in terms of playing them and getting outside I do now have a good idea of the qualities of the instrument.

I am not really going to be able to offer anything new or original as the merits of your various models are well documented. I can however say they have fully lived up to the ‘press’ in terms of workmanship and most importantly in sound, they are rich and warm with a broad harmonic range. Extremely easy to tune with supreme steadiness. Easily the best modern pipe I have played or worked with and worthy of comparison with top vintage sets. I had a set of 1916 Henderson’s I played for 15 years and a have a wonderful set of Ebony 1880 David Glen pipes. These legacy drones are already starting to prove themselves to be at that level.

I played them outside for the first time on Hogmanay and only at that point did I truly appreciate the power and projection from the drones particularly the bass. I also got an indication of their steadiness. Having tuned up outside and after a 15 minute wait inside in the warmth, I took in the New Year in a very warm function suite and by the time I played myself onto the stage the drones were once again locked in. They stayed that way through my 5 minute set and I was very impressed at how effortlessly they filled the room even with a very noisy appreciative crowd. It was a very impressive debut given the difficult temperature and humidity changes.

It is only when performing in public or in competition where you have changes in temperature including switching from inside to outside or have a lengthy wait between tuning and performing that you can truly test and have complete faith in your instrument. I am already looking forward to these challenges safe in the knowledge that my Atherton Legacy drones will not let me down.

I am now happily playing about with various reeds in the drones to find the set up that I prefer.

Once again thanks very much and I hope you keep producing your instruments for many years to come as they will be in great demand in 2015! and beyond.

Best wishes,
Drew Sinclair