Examining and Playing A Set of Rare (c.1952) James Robertson Bagpipes

In this episode of “The Pipe Box”, Gold Medallist, Jim McGillivray explains the relevance of the bagpipe maker, James Robertson then showcases a rare find - a set of (c.1952) hallmarked, full-silver, James Robertson Bagpipes.
The St. Andrew's College Association Pipe Band's P/M, Matt MacIsaac (@MattMacIsaacMusic) also was gracious enough to play a tune ("The Man From Skye") on them then sit down to briefly discuss. Finding (and playing) a set of vintage Robertson bagpipes is a rare treat.
The tune Matt MacIsaac plays is "The Man From Skye".
Outer Tenor: Balance Tone
Inner Tenor: E-zee Drone
Bass: Balance Tone
James Robertson was a renowned Scottish bagpipe maker whose craftsmanship significantly impacted the history and development of the Great Highland Bagpipes.
Born in 1877 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Robertson began his career in bagpipe making with an apprenticeship under Peter Henderson, another prominent bagpipe maker of the time. He later established his own workshop in Edinburgh around 1908, where he produced high-quality bagpipes that quickly gained a reputation for their excellent tone and durability.
Robertson's bagpipes are distinguished by their meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. He utilized high-quality African blackwood and mounted his pipes with ivory, Catalin, or silver, which contributed to their distinctive and attractive appearance. His chanters and drones were known for their reliable intonation and resonance, making them highly sought after by both solo pipers and pipe bands.
The James Robertson workshop continued to thrive throughout the early to mid-20th century, maintaining a strong presence in the bagpiping community. However, after James Robertson died in 1948, the business faced challenges in maintaining the same level of production and eventually closed in the 1960s.
Today, Robertson's bagpipes are considered collectible items and are cherished by pipers for their historical significance and superb quality. Instruments bearing his mark are often found in museums, and private collections, and are still played by enthusiasts who appreciate the legacy of James Robertson's craftsmanship in the realm of Scottish bagpipe making.
Modern makers still marvel at the quality of his work. His instruments (if you can find a set) are prized as some of the finest examples of traditional Scottish bagpipe making.
Like Vintage Bagpipes? Check out our archive - piping.on.ca/vintage-bagpipe-...
Have questions or an idea for a future episode? Email us at [e-mail] or join the discussion on Facebook at / pipetunes . This episode is brought to you by www.bagpiping.ca and www.pipetunes.ca
Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this video!

[@thebaron5206]

Weren’t earlier Robertson projecting mounts much less ‘mushroom’ shaped?

[@elioborsato4481]

Hi Jim,
Any chance of examining a set of older Lawrie's and/or Henderson's down the road?
Thanks Jim for the info and thanks Matt for playing them.

[@Pipetunes]

Possibly! I do these as I get my hands on pipes!

[@Thefox2000unit]

The man from Skye lived not two miles away from me, and he was one of, if not the best, piper I've ever heard.
He had great stories to tell about his piping days.

[@tommyburns3083]

Why the mixed tenor reeds? I've always played matched tenors and a different bass. Just curious...thanks!

[@Pipetunes]

It's really largely about achieving a unique, customized resonance and sound (a helpful positioning in solo competitions).