Available are Northumbriam Smallpipes ranging from the basic 7 key chanter standard drone set to 17 key sets with six drones - all made in African blackwood which has the finest tone potential of any known wood. Metalwork is brass or silver and trimmings in imitation ivory. The pipe bag is hand stitched leather with covers of velvet, shepherd's plaid or tartan.

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.