There are plenty of choices out there. We are often asked what is the difference and benefit of each of the hides, so here goes (should qualify that from here on, it’s just our opinion):
SHEEPSKIN:
Sheepskin is often regarded as the “best” hide for many players. When a sheepskin pipe bags is at its best it’s hard to beat for tone, richness, resonance and harmonics. There is a little extra magic in the sound when sheepskin is being played and serious pipers and top pipe bands know this. But their is a trade-off; it requires more maintenance than other bags. Most Grade 1 pipe bands play sheepskin because the extra bit of work is well worth the effort to get that special sound.
Shop now »
GOATSKIN:
Goatskin is very close to sheepskin in sound. We would say you can get about 90% of the greatness of sheep with much less maintenance. When a goatskin is going well you can hardly tell the difference from sheepskin. Goatskin usually need less seasoning, costs the same but lasts longer. Goatskin is very good value for the money.
Shop now »
COWHIDE:
Cowhide is the easiest to maintain of all the hides. It is extremely airtight, requires almost no seasoning, almost never leaks and produces a beautiful, natural sound.
Shop now »
SHEEPSKIN PREMIUM:
Sheepskin Premium is an incredible option for many pipers. You can get that special sheepskin sound with little or no maintenance. Most Sheepskin Premium pipe bags never require seasoning. The main reason for seasoning a pipe bag is to make it airtight. The airtight, ultra-suede fabric adhered to the outside of the sheepskin hide makes the bag airtight so seasoning isn’t required.
Shop now »
All of our bags provide you with the option of adding zippers. The zippers give you easy access to the inside of the bag. You can add a moisture system to help keep the drones dry, fish out a lost drone reed, directly apply seasoning to any area of the bag, etc. You can also add drone and blowstick grommets to make the tie-in process a whole lot easier. All of our bags are available in a wide range of sizes. Extended sizes and special cuts are available at no extra charge.
Sheepskin | Goatskin | Cowhide | Sheepskin Premium | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lifespan | Good | Better | Best | Best |
Comfort | Tied for Best | Tied for Best | Tied for Best | Tied for Best |
Richness of sound | Best | Better | Good | Better |
Air Tightness | Good | Better | Best | Best |
Need for Seasoning | Good | Better | Best | Best |
Thickness of Hide | Better | Best | Good | Good |
Great High A & High G |
Best | Better | Good | Better |
Price | Tied for Better | Tied for Better | Best | Tied for Better |