Anistratov Border Pipes
Anistratov Border Pipes – Quiet Authority, Masterfully Realised
Crafted for those who seek refinement without compromise, the Anistratov Border Pipes occupy a distinguished place between the commanding voice of the Highland bagpipe and the intimacy of chamber instruments. With their elegant presence and measured tone, these pipes offer a quieter, more lyrical alternative while retaining the familiar fingering and range of their Highland counterparts.
Available in Bb, A, and G, they are equally at home in solo performance or within a well-balanced ensemble — a versatile and dignified choice for the discerning musician.
Alexander Anistratov has developed three distinct designs, each shaped by historical sensibility and a craftsman’s eye for proportion and voice:
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Alba – A stately and resonant model, grounded in the Scottish piping heritage.
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Dal-Riata – Drawing inspiration from the ancient Gaelic kingdom, it speaks with warmth, depth, and a quiet strength.
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Dreoilín – Named for the wren, smallest of birds and rich in song, this design offers a bright, responsive voice for those who value finesse and agility.
Every set of Anistratov Border Pipes is individually hand-built to exacting standards, using time-honoured techniques and carefully selected materials. The result is not merely an instrument, but a companion — one that reflects the character of its player and the legacy of its maker.
A fine addition to any piper’s collection, these pipes are as suited to the drawing room as to the concert stage, offering timeless tone with understated confidence.
It should be noted that all Border pipes are build as bellowsblown which means all of sets can be only equipped with bellows and cane chanter reeds.
Chanters
The Anistratov Border Pipes Chanter – Precision, Character, Possibility
At the heart of the Anistratov Border Pipes lies the chanter — a meticulously crafted element where precision meets musical expression. Each chanter is tuned to concert pitch A = 440 Hz, ensuring seamless integration with modern ensembles while preserving the authentic tonal voice of the instrument.
The scale employed is Mixolydian, characterised by its distinctive flattened seventh — a mode both ancient and versatile, deeply rooted in the traditional repertoire of the British Isles.
The conical bore, in concert with Alexander’s finely balanced reed setup, yields a richly voiced instrument capable of cross-fingered accidentals, including Bb, C, D♯, F, and G♯. This allows the chanter to perform fully chromatic passages — an uncommon feature in the world of traditional piping.
For those requiring an extended range and enhanced flexibility, Alexander offers the option of individually hand-forged keys, crafted with the same care and attention as the rest of the instrument. These additional keys not only broaden the technical capability of the chanter but do so without compromising its visual harmony or tonal integrity.
Every Anistratov chanter is a study in balance — between tradition and innovation, function and form — designed for pipers who value musical depth and finely engineered detail.
Border chanters in Kingwood, Tulipwood, Boxwood and Blackwood with Cocobolo and Boxwood chanter soles
Drones & Models
Alba design, fully mounted. Bass drone, tenor & alto. Boxwood, Ferrules & tuning pins: bronze, Mounts and bushings: cocobolo
Dal-Riata design, fully mounted. Bass drone, tenor drone and alto. Kingwood, Ferrules: bronze, Mounts and bushings: boxwood
Alba design, fully mounted. Bass drone, tenor & alto. Boxwood, Ferrules & tuning pins: bronze, Mounts and bushings: cocobolo
Dal-Riata design, fully mounted. Bass drone & two tenors. Kingwood, Ferrules & drones stop key: bronze, Mounts and bushings: boxwood
Dal-Riata design, fully mounted. Bass drone, tenor & alto. Cocobolo, Ferrules, tuning pins, high B key & drones stop key: bronze, Mounts and bushings: art ivory antiqued
Dal-Riata design, fully mounted. Bass drone, tenor & alto. Blackwood, Ferrules: bronze, Mounts and bushings: boxwood
Dal-Riata design, fully mounted. Bass drone, tenor & alto. Cocobolo, Ferrules, tuning pins, high B key: bronze, Mounts and bushings: art ivory
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