Master Pipe Maker Dave Atherton’s reputation as a premier creator of individually hand crafted Great Highland Bagpipes is rooted in a pipe making lineage dating back to the Robertson line of pipe makers in Scotland. Dave started pipe making at CE Kron Co., previously Kilgour & Kron. George Kilgour apprenticed at James Robertson’s shop in Edinburgh during World War II and joined Charley Kron to form the Company in 1987. Kilgour returned to Scotland in 1995 and Dave took his place as a full time pipe maker.

Dave’s background as a musician, with several CD releases featuring his talent on the guitar, along with a background in woodworking served him well as he immersed himself in the techniques and tradition of creating pipes known for both the unsurpassed quality of sound and exquisite old-world craftsmanship.

Dave recalls working seven days a week for six years mastering every aspect of the craft. His reputation grew through the world of pipe bands and competitive pipers as some of the most serious and discerning musicians were using pipes made by Dave to enhance their own reputations. Some of the thousands of satisfied musicians include members of Grade One bands and Gold Medal solo performers.

In 2001 he worked with Gold Medallist Jim McGillivray to develop the “Heritage” line of bagpipes and the “Medallist” chanter, well recognized and highly regarded as top-of-the-line brands in the worldwide piping community. Since 1996, Dave has made virtually every set of pipes at the CE Kron shop in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Dave also uses his technical skill in restoring classic pre-war and late 19th Century pipes.

With personal pride, relentless dedication to quality, time-honored skills and no compromising in materials or workmanship, Dave has reached the pinnacle of his profession as America’s Master Pipe Maker.