To anyone familiar with the Scottish bagpipes it will be clear at a glance that the Northumbrian Smallpipes are very different. Played throughout the English region of Northumbria, near the Scottish Borders, in a continuous tradition for over 300 years, the Smallpipes incorporate several features which make them unique and arguably the most sophisticated instrument in the bagpipe family. They are bellows-blown, have up to 6-drones and 17 keys on the chanter. They have a stopped end to the chanter and this, combined with "closed" fingering, produces the characteristic sound of the instrument.

The tradition has been sustained over the centuries by the patronage of the Dukes of Northumberland who are directly associated with many of the classical tunes of the Smallpipe repertoire. The present Duke continues to employ an official piper - the only English peer to do so.