TC Great Highland Bagpipes Drone Silk Cord Scottish Bagpipe Silk Cord (Golden)

What are Bagpipe cords?

Bagpipe cords are decorative and functional elements used to secure various parts of the bagpipe together and to manipulate certain features of the instrument. 

Bagpipe cords are available in a variety of materials, including:

• Natural fibers: Wool, cotton, linen, hemp
• Synthetic fibers: Nylon, polyester, Kevlar
• Metal: Stainless steel, copper

There are several types of cords used on bagpipes:

How to make bagpipe cord?

Making bagpipe cords requires some basic materials and skills. Here's a simple guide to make your own bagpipe cords:

Materials Needed:

1. Cord: You can use a strong, durable cord made of materials like cotton, polyester, or nylon. It should be thick enough to handle the tension and wear from regular use.
2. Tassels: You'll need tassel ends for decoration. These can be found in craft stores or online.
3. Scissors: For cutting the cord to the desired length.
4. Lighter: To melt the ends of the cord slightly to prevent fraying.
5. Optional: Beads or other decorative elements if you want to personalize your cords further.

Steps:

1: Measure and Cut: Determine the length you want for your cords. Typically, bagpipe cords are about 18 inches long, but you can adjust this according to your preference. Cut the cord to the desired length using scissors.

2: Melt Ends: Once you've cut the cord, use the lighter to gently melt the ends of the cord. Be careful not to burn it; you just want to melt the fibers slightly to prevent fraying. You can roll the ends between your fingers to shape them into a neat point.

3: Attach Tassels: Take the tassel ends and thread them onto each end of the cord. You might need to fold the cord slightly to fit it through the hole in the tassel. Once both tassels are on, make sure they're positioned evenly at the ends of the cord.

4: Secure the Tassels: Depending on the design of the tassels, you might need to tie knots or use a small amount of glue to secure them in place. Be sure the knots are tight and the glue is fully dry before using the cords.

5: Optional Decorations: If you want to add beads or other decorative elements to your cords, you can thread them onto the cord before attaching the tassels. Experiment with different patterns and colors to create a unique look.

6: Trim Excess: Once everything is in place and secured, trim any excess cord or thread to tidy up the ends.

7: Repeat for Multiple Cords: If you need more than one cord, simply repeat the process for each one.
That's it! With these steps, you should be able to create your own bagpipe cords to add a personal touch to your instrument. Make sure to take your time and pay attention to detail for the best results.

How to use bagpipe cords?

Bagpipe cords are typically used to secure the drones (the long pipes that extend from the bag) to the player's body. Here's how you can use a bagpipe cord:

1: Preparation: Place the bagpipe over your shoulder so that the drones are hanging down in front of you. The drones should be on your dominant side (usually the right side for right-handed players).

2: Locate the Drone Stock: The drone stock is the part of the bagpipe that connects the drones to the bag. It's usually located near the top of the bag, where the drones emerge.

3: Attach the Cord to the Drone Stock: Take one end of the bagpipe cord and loop it around the drone stock. You want to ensure that the cord is secure but not too tight, as it needs to allow the drones to move freely.

4: Adjust the Length: Depending on your preference and the length of the cord, you may need to adjust the length to ensure the drones hang comfortably and are positioned correctly for playing.

5: Secure the Cord: Once you've found the right length, secure the cord by tying it off or using any provided mechanisms for adjustment (such as a sliding knot or clip). Make sure it's tight enough to keep the drones in place but not so tight that it restricts movement or causes discomfort.

6: Repeat for Other Drones: If your bagpipe has multiple drones (commonly three), repeat the process for each one, attaching a separate cord to each drone stock.

7: Test for Comfort and Mobility: Once all cords are attached, test the bagpipe to ensure that the drones hang comfortably and can move freely as you play. Adjust as necessary to achieve the desired fit.

8: Practice Proper Playing Position: With the bagpipe secured using the cords, practice playing in the proper position, with the drones comfortably positioned in front of you and the bagpipe bag under your arm.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively use bagpipe cords to secure the drones while playing. Remember, it may take some trial and error to find the perfect fit and positioning for your individual playing style and body size.