About Myself and my Products
I was brought up on the Isle of Tiree, where I leaned to play “The Pipes” (GHB) from the late Alisdair Sinclair, who was a friend of my Father, Robert Beck, retired and still teaching “The Pipes” on the Island. He, though an old traditionalist is a believer in my innovations, and keeps an up to date interest in “Beckpipes”.
After years of research and development as a hobbyist, “Beckpipes” was established in Loanhead, Midlothian in 1999 with the help of an Arts Council grant, following an evening class at Jewel & Esk Valley College and 2 years working with Pipe Major Brian Donaldson at Inveran Bagpipes, where I learned all I know about wood turning and setting up Highland pipes. Brian is an absolute master. www.inveran.com
The Scottish Small Pipes (SSP) had taken a revival, and I was aware that their manufacture was a reproduction of a ninteenth centuary instrument.
So; When folk say; “Why aluminium?” I say “Why not!” (FAQ) Hence a complete modernisation of the SSP with the same good sound.
My Scottish Small Pipe (SSP), both Aluminium & Blackwood are flagship of “Beckpipes”. The “Beck Valve” has been a very successful innovation, and it’s sales have helped sustain “Beckpipes” during the development stages of my SSP, and other innovations such as the “Cowal Chanter” and the “Drummer’s Stick Sheath”.
