My name is Iain Massie and I have been playing pipes for approximately 45 years. I served in The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards for around ten years. For the majority of that time the band was competing in Grade One though for a few years we were Grade Two. During that time I was also a piping instructor at the Scottish Infantry Depot School of Piping for approximately three years. I hold the following qualifications:

1. The Pipe Majors Certificate, The Army School of Piping, Edinburgh, Scotland.
2. The Graduate Certificate of Piping, The Institute of Piping, Glasgow, Scotland.
3. The Senior Teachers Certificate, The Institute of Piping, Glasgow, Scotland.

Since immigrating to the US in 1985 I have played and taught full time. I have taught various bands and was Pipe Major of The Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band. During the last year of my tenure the band won every contest it entered in Grade Two.

I first heard Atherton Pipes a few years ago when I once again went back to The Worcester Kilties to help out there. The Pipe Major at the time was a gentleman by the name of Neil Gow. Neil is originally from Aberdeen and had played in Worcester when the band was Grade One. He told me that there was a young piper in the band who had a phenomenal set of pipes and that I should listen to them. They were Athertons. I had never even heard of Athertons. At the time I was playing two sets of pipes. A beautiful set of what I believe to be Lawries and a set of Robertsons -- which I should mention, I haven't played since I got my first set of Athertons.

Anyway, I listened to this young man's pipes and he was even kind enough to let me play them for a few minutes. They were indeed outstanding. I asked if I could borrow the pipes for a few days to play. He agreed and for the next few days I played the Atherton pipes and was astounded by the sound and the magnificent workmanship. They were simply the best pipes I had every played and were a pleasure. Soundwise, they are incredibly steady and have a rich room filling sound that in my opinion is simply unequaled in the production pipes of today. Even going back to the early makers of pipes you would be hard pressed to get such a sound. I should mention that my experience with hearing the pipes, playing them for a short time and immediately wanting a set is a common occurrence with Atherton pipes.

The day after I had retuned the pipes to the young piper I called Dave Atherton and introduced myself. I expressed my interest in the pipes and of course I ordered a set. When I got the pipes I set them up and within minutes they were just singing. What was a bit strange about setting these pipes up was that I just put the drones where I thought they would tune. When I struck them up they were just perfectly in tune. It was unbelievable. Now, I do realize that this was a fluke but never the less it was impressive. Since then I have paired many pipers with wonderful instruments each one as good as the last.

In my opinion, The workmanship on these pipes is the result of one man's passion to painstakingly make an absolutely superb instrument. The are no short cuts here, no blackwood with imperfections or the imperfections camouflaged, no "close enough" workmanship. Every instrument is simply his best work.

If you have any doubt my endorsement of this instrument do the research, look and see who else is playing them. The list of high profile pipers who own these instruments speaks volumes.

Iain Massie

I could not be happier with my Atherton MacDougall reproduction drones.  I have played several excellent sets of pipes over the years, both new and vintage, but I have never felt so confident in my instrument as I do with my Athertons.  When I hit the boards, I can count on getting the drones locked in tune and know they will stay locked for the entire performance.  The tone is superb -- a full, yet refined sound that does not dominate the chanter, with a perfect balance between bass and tenors.

Alan Bevan -- Gold Medalist and member of Simon Fraser University Pipe Band.

Hi Dave,

I just wanted to send you a quick note of thanks for the fantastic set of pipes you custom designed for me. The attention to detail and finishes were exactly as I had hoped and the materials were first class. Most importantly the sound from the drones is beautifully balanced and steady with a nice big but not harsh bass sound. Just what I was looking for!!

Cheers,
Bryan Huddleston
Toronto Police Pipe Band

I am writing to you to let you know how pleased I am with the set of Atherton Bagpipes I recently purchased from you.

As you know, I was reluctant to part from my old set of pipes.  These pipes were quite plain with Blackwood button mounts and imitation ivory ferrules and caps but had a great sound.  I often received comments on the tonal quality and steadiness of the drones from judges and respected players.

That being said, the sound produced by the Atherton Bagpipes is of a fully superior quality.  The richness and full sound of the bass drone accompanied by the precise balance of the tenors is quite remarkable.  Tuning the drones takes little effort to achieve a beautiful sound and only minor adjustments are required after 15 or 20 minutes of playing.

The workmanship of the pipes, from the beading and combing on the drones down to the finish is excellent.  I am especially pleased with the holly mounts and how they contrast against the dark African Blackwood and nickel ferrules and slides. I am also impressed with how the ring caps are bushed with holly, this give the pipes a truly tailored look.

I would highly recommend these pipes to any serious player who is looking for a supremely crafted instrument.  

Sincerely  

James Dickerson
Chief Steward New Hampshire Highland Games

Good morning Dave!

I just wanted to let you know we received the pipes! They are absolutely stunning! I can't wait to have them setup and ready to play so I can hear them!!

I must commend you on your craftsmanship - they aren't just flawless but immaculate - I've never seen a more pristine set of pipes.

J.C. McFarlane
Sergeant -- RCAF Band

I bought a set of Atherton Pipes about two years ago and have never looked back. I have played the pipes for over 40 years in a variety of bands as well as competing in solos, culminating in a great experience with the Worcester Kiltie grade 2 band for total of 7 years. I am still active in piping, teaching a number of competing pipers and a street band here and there.

For my first 20 years of piping I played a set of Henderson's that my grand mother bought me for Christmas when I was ten. For the past 20 years I have been playing a nice set of silver and ivory Kintails. But, I had a piping rebirth with the advent of my Atherton's. I love the mass of the drones, the thickness of the pipes - no 1/3 of an inch of wood camouflaged with ferrules - there is real wood used on these pipes. I also am aware that the ferrules are screwed on and not simply glued; I have had no issues at all with loose mounts or ferrules and am not concerned of any potential issues given this unique workmanship feature.

Then there is the huge facet of the sound of the drones. The resonance of the Atherton drones is unparalleled in my book; such a rich tone that easily locks in after minimal playing. You have to hear the Atherton drone sound compared to other pipes to truly appreciate the difference. I have found a great set of drone reeds made for the Atherton's that upon initial setup require minimal ongoing adjustment. I am wicked spoiled. I sincerely feel as though I have acquired my last set of pipes - not to get too morbid, but I can't envision a better sounding set of drones coupled with detailed craftsmanship luring me with Siren's tones to another set of pipes. Maybe a bit over the top, but give them a try and you too will be able to resist the Sirens!

Rob Eagan, Arlington, MA

Three things determine the quality of a set of pipes: the quality of materials, the quality of the craftsmanship, and the quality of the design.  In each of these ways, the Atherton bagpipe is the finest I've ever seen or played.  I've never owned or played a set with finer craftsmanship, made with better materials, and produced tone better than what I've been able to achieve from my Atherton MacDougalls.

Jori Chisholm, Three-Time Winner of the United States Gold Medal for Piobaireachd, Founder and Chief Instructor at BagpipeLessons.com

Dave Atherton is a consummate professional and artist who's work is at the pinnacle of his craft.  His workmanship and attention to detail are world-class, using only the very finest materials to skillfully create instruments of the utmost quality.  My instrument is marvelous and exquisitely beautiful, both in terms of aesthetics and tone.  Dave offered great personal attention and communication throughout the entire process of creating my custom pipes.  Thank you Dave for an outstanding instrument.

SVS -- North Carolina

Like many pipers on the quest for the perfect sound, a number of people had suggested to me to get my hands on a set of Atherton MacDougalls. This would mean bit of a departure from the sound I had grown accustomed to as a player of Hendersons. I made an appointment to stop by Dave's place which was right after competing at some Highland Games. At those Games I witnessed an open level piper taking all the medals playing a set of Athertons – it was quite the introduction to the Atherton sound. While at Dave's shop I was able to put a set of Atherton MacDougalls on my shoulder and play them for the first time. I was sold immediately. It wasn't the painstaking workmanship which produced such a beautiful looking instrument that won me, but a sound I had never experienced from a set of drones before. At first I couldn't put my finger on it, then I tried to distinguish the bass from the tenors and found it difficult since they blended so seamlessly into one, resonant, haunting sound.

Someone might quip that good pipes don't make the piper. Perhaps. But the fact is that good pipes make practice much more enjoyable and more practice means a better piper. Dave has raised the bar quite high.

Cliff Ermatinger

My pipes have a smooth blended tone not found in any other pipes I have played. They are steady and stay tuned throughout my competition sets.

Simply "Rock Solid" and "Polished".

EM

I'm playing one of Dave's MD holly wood sets since a few years now and I couldn't be happier with it. The sound of Atherton pipes is very distinctive with a deep, resonant bass and sweet tenors. Efficency and steadiness are also great qualities of Atherton pipes and tuning your instrument has never been easier. First class materials combined with an outstanding workmanship gives one of the best pipes in the world.

Xavier Boderiou
Bagad Cap Caval
SFU Pipe Band

Just wanted to say how happy I have been with my Atherton bagpipes. I was a "self-starter" ten years ago, buying my first set of pipes without knowing what to look for, but more importantly, what to listen for. After many frustrating years of being self -taught, I was fortunate enough to join a great band and get some real lessons. Our instructor not only demonstrated the proper techniques but had us listen to the different range of sounds that various bagpipes made, under different manufacturers. We sampled many different makes, and the Athertons.  I can honestly say that everyone was stunned by how incredible the Atherton sound was. The drones (under the MacDougall variation) had a much warmer, richer tone to them. Everyone from my class of pipers now plays Athertons and the sound is amazing. You won't find a better set of pipes anywhere.

Jeffrey D. Archambeault
Massachusetts State Police Pipes and Drums

Dave,

I have owned many many sets of pipes over the course of my 35+ years of piping, but nothing I have played over the years compares to the craftsmanship and tone of my Atherton MacDougall drones.  The workmanship is exquisite to the most finite detail and the sound of my big bore pipes is rich and full. Atherton pipes are the finest pipes made today and I am certain that they will be fully appreciated by pipers in years to come. I love my Atherton Pipes.  Thank you, Dave.

Tom Childs

I received my set a little over a week ago, and I am astounded at the difference in my sound that this set makes.  Although I was in love with the set from the first pictures I received, the sight of the pipes is nothing compared to the sound quality. I have been in the piping world for more than 20 years, and this is by far the finest set of pipes I have ever had the pleasure of playing. Together with the custom drone reeds, these drones have a wonderful tonal quality that I have never heard before.  Even in my difficult climate, these pipes are phenomenal.  Dave's attention to every detail really shows.

KT -- Utah

Remarkably easy to reed – with my Atherton's, it's not a case of which reeds go well in the drones, it's which reeds sound best, as every combination seems to sound great.  Playing my Atherton's is an absolute delight.  The tonal stability is the best I've ever enjoyed from a high-end set of drones, and the harmonics produced with any well-tuned pipe chanter is something to behold.

In terms of craftsmanship, my Atherton's look as good as they sound.  It could be said that you're as much an artist as you are a craftsman!

Scott Shannon -- Gannaway Pipe Bags

Dear Dave,

I received the pipes on Tuesday and I would like to again thank you for the quality bagpipe.  I used the Wygent reeds that I had been using with my Sinclairs. Once I adjusted the Wygent reeds the pipes sounded magnificent. The pipes were very air efficient and incredibly easy to tune.  In fact, the pipes seemed to want to tune itself. The drones were extremely steady  and did not change even if the pressure changed.  This set of pipes is unlike any other set of pipes I have ever played. In addition, the appearance is beautiful and I feel truly blessed to own this set of pipes.

If you have potential buyers in downstate New York please feel free to send them to my house to try these pipes.  I believe that any piper who plays this set would want a set of Atherton MacDougall pipes.

Yours truly,
Kevin Costello

During my time as the band manager of the Brockton Firefighters Pipes & Drums, I have been involved in purchasing and recommending numerous sets of bagpipes and their makers. To say that D. M. Atherton Bagpipes is the company on the top of my list is an understatement. Dealing with Dave is a true pleasure as his customer service is second to none. I have been piping for over 15 years and can honestly say dealing with a pipe maker with such class and reliability will ease your transition into an instrument your family will cherish forever. I am the proud owner of a 2009 set of Atherton, MacDougall reproduction in African Blackwood (pattern 25). The workmanship is unmatched and the sound from these pipes is unparalleled. This stand far exceeds anything I could have ever imagined. If you are looking for incredible sound, steady tuning, pristine wood turned into beautiful pipes made by and incredible craftsman that will be in your family till the end of time, Dave Atherton is your man!

Peter M. Reardon

I have been playing pipes for 10 years.  I started taking lessons with my two sons.  I knew someone in the Scottish Power Pipe Band from Glasgow that highly recommended another brand.  Having to buy three sets of pipes, this particular brand was very affordable.  For many years I was complimented on the tone of these pipes. Two years ago I upgraded to a set of full nickel. At around the same time I changed piping instructors.  My new instructor played a set of Athertons. They were the best, he told me, but I stubbornly refused to step away from my bargain brand. Then he had me play his Atherton's for about five lessons in a row.  After this it was impossible to go back to my pipes.  There was no comparison.  Even with my minimal amount of piping background I could clearly hear the difference and there was no going back.  I sold both sets of the bargain pipes and bought my Athertons.  I have only recently been able to start using them on a regular basis. They fairly hum every time I play them and after about 15 minutes they just settle in and get better and better.  Practicing is so much more enjoyable now.  The best move I ever made was to buy Athertons.

Mary Tierney