The Bagpipe Society

Guide to the Bruegel or Flemish Pipes

Bruegel Pipes, as the name suggests, are reconstructed from those depicted by Renaissance painter, Peter Bruegel the elder (whose ’enflamed’ pipers were censored by the Victorians!)

With their drones dramatically rising forwards and upwards, they are a striking bagpipe, the Hummelchen’s big brother. Fingering and keys vary, but often they sound and play just like a Southern English Border Pipe, the only difference being the ‘geometry’. Although no historical instruments survive, there are many detailed paintings which allows modern reconstructors to make informed judgements about likely pitch and drone configuration. Excellent for Early Music.

Our gallery is currently under construction. We’ll add more information soon.