About Chris Apps
Since 1991 Chris Apps has been quietly perfecting the art of bagpipe reed making. Single mindedly hunting the most beautiful sound. Always preferring quality over quantity Chris chooses to work alone to guarantee a constant caliber of excellence. His small and fiercely loyal customer base appreciates the craftmanship that goes into every product produced by Chris Apps.
Chris has been playing pipes since the age of ten and was originally taught by James Archibald Templeton from Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire. Chris took further piobaireachd tutelage from Pipe Major Evan MacRae and from Bob Brown Jr. the son of Bob Brown of Balmoral.
In 1986 Chris was invited to come over to the States to join the then grade one Kansas City St Andrews Pipe Band. During the 1990’s Chris was back in the UK where he joined the grade two Clan Sutherland pipe band and became the ‘soundman’ for the band, making the reeds and tuning the band for competition. The band went on to become the grade two Champion of champions in 1997.
Chris was honored to be asked to be Pipe Major of the prestigious Scottish Piping Society of London soon after this and gratefully accepted the position. Chris became an approved judge with the Joint Committee for judging for light music. Since moving to the USA in the early 2000s Chris has become a fully qualified judge with the MWPBA for both band and solo competition. He can be found judging and lecturing throughout the USA.
Always an innovator Chris has introduced any number of new ideas and products. The ability to order bespoke chanter reeds is the most popular. Chris gives his customers control of their reed strength and provides the tool through which they can find that perfect strength. Traditional Apps cane practice chanter reeds can now be heard on every continent. Chris’ newest innovation, the PitchGuard™ is beneficial to all pipers. He has recently paired up with McCallum Bagpipes to product the PitchGuard Split-Stock System. His goal has always been an excellent sound for all pipers.
Chris plays a selection of hornpipes