More Background

The Highland Hornpipe plays one register below the Highland bagpipe, with a gorgeous dark tone similar to a clarinet or the human voice; but since it accommodates all bagpipe fingering and embellishments, it ends up sounding quite unlike anything else. Because the single beating reed is placed directly in the mouth where it can be manipulated, the Highland Hornpipe has a range of tonal expression and volume variability (dynamics) not available on any bagpipe or practice chanter. G sharp and other unusual notes can be played with cross-fingerings. And if you become good at over-blowing, you can suddenly play high notes beyond the range of the bagpipe chanter, opening up a whole new realm of playing and composition possibilities. And of course, circular breathing allows you to sound a continuous tone as on the bagpipes.
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In 1794, the famous Scots poet Robert Burns described in detail a hornpipe he had acquired and which was considered typical for the Central Highlands:

Robert Burns in Emmerson. Rantin' Pipe and Tremblin' String
(McGill - Queen’s Press. Montreal, 1971) p.183.

Thus, the Highland Hornpipe traces its origins into the dim mists of Highland Scottish history, and even prehistory. Examples of hornpipes have been found in Bronze and Iron Age tombs and there are references in 5th and 6th century Gaelic society to hornpipes made of marsh reeds or corn-stalks fitted with a single beating reed which produced the sound. It is believed that primitive forms of this instrument were in use all over the ancient world since time immemorial. Throughout its history, the hornpipe has often been associated with shepherds. These shepherds sometimes entertained themselves by step-dancing while they played their instrument. Thus, the hornpipe gave its name to a type of dance, which then gave its name to the kind of tune played for that dance. Around the beginning of the 19th century, the hornpipe (piobcorn in Gaelic, stock and horn in Lowland Scots) became extinct.

Until Now...

The Highland Hornpipe has arrived! The Highland Hornpipe is so called because it is a version of the old hornpipes designed specifically for Scottish Highland music and players. The trade in hinder thigh-bones and Highland cow horn not being what it once was, the modern materials of durable acrylic, nickel-plated copper and sterling silver are used, which ensures precision in tuning and playabilty, extremely low maintenance and a fine appearance.

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