Reconstructions: Great Bock
Taken from the illustration by Michael Praetorius in his book on the musical instruments of his day "Syntagma Musicum" 1618/19. As the name suggests it is a giant of the bagpipe world.
The pitch is an octave lower than most other forms, the compass being from f to g1 and is useful for a good solid bass sound both for solo work and with other instruments the enormous animal horns amplifying the sound, the drone sounds G1.
Single reeds are used in both chanter and drone.
Developed in 1977 whilst experimenting with the Phagotum it has become an interesting addition to my range.
See also The Phagotum
See also Syntagma Musicum
Materials:
Fruitwood with mounts, drone and chanter ends of horn. Option : carved chanter stock in the form of a goats head.