MH Reeds are the result of a collaboration between two highly respected pipers and reedmakers, Derek Marr and Ali Hutton—both known for their extensive experience in both solo and band piping, as well as in the folk and traditional music scenes. Their goal was to create reeds that deliver consistency, stability, and musicality, catering to a wide range of players from beginners to top-tier professionals.
Each reed is hand-finished and individually tested, ensuring a high level of consistency across batches. This attention to detail means pipers can expect the same quality performance every time they open a new reed.
MH Reeds come in different strengths to suit the needs of individual players:
Easy – Ideal for learners and novice players. A lighter reed that still retains a rich tone.
Medium – Offers good balance of strength and tonal quality; the go to for most players! This is our most popular reed.
Hard – for those that require a higher pressure reed.
B♭ (Flat pitch) – Specifically designed for playing in B♭, making them suitable for folk musicians or ensemble players working with other instruments. The reed achieves clean, stable chromatics.
These reeds are designed to produce a warm, rich, and full sound, which is especially valued in solo competitions and folk/traditional performances. They maintain their tone even with prolonged playing.
Many top-level soloists, competition players, and band members have switched to or experimented with MH Reeds due to their responsiveness and tuning stability. Their reputation continues to grow within both the competitive and casual piping communities.
If you’re considering MH Reeds, they’re a solid choice whether you’re looking to upgrade from beginner reeds or fine-tune your sound for solo work, gigs, or band competitions.
Many of you will already know Derek Marr through his well-established business, The Bagpipe Refurb Co Ltd., where he’s earned a solid reputation for his work in bagpipe refurbishment and restoration. What you might not know is that Derek has been crafting and refining chanter reeds for over 20 years. His skills were developed under the guidance of Bob Hain of Fife, whose advice and mentorship have played a key role in Derek’s journey.
The creation of MH Reeds was sparked when Ali Hutton approached Derek for some work on his own pipes. That visit quickly turned into a collaboration, as Ali expressed a deep interest in learning reed-making himself. After many long hours—and time spent learning at Bob Hain’s workshop—MH Reeds was born.
Ali’s meticulous approach to the B♭ reed design stemmed from his personal need for a reed he could rely on during live performances. Combined with Derek’s decades of experience playing in pipe bands, this partnership led to the development of both the MH1 and MH2 reeds—each designed with performance, consistency, and quality in mind.
Today, MH Reeds are being played by pipe bands around the world, as well as by folk musicians who rely on the unique tone of the B♭ MH2.
And with our MH Reeds Guarantee—“We’ll exchange any MH reed you’re unhappy with”—there’s never been a better time to make the switch
Ali, from Methven in Perthshire, was inspired at the age of 7 to take up the bagpipes and rose through the ranks of the world famous Vale of Atholl Pipe Band.
It was there that he was taught by the late, great Gordon Duncan. He has since gone on to become a successful multi – instrumentalist on the Scottish music scene. His arsenal includes Bagpipes, Whistle, Guitar, Bouzouki, keys and Bodhran. Ali has performed and worked alongside some of the most respected musicians and bands on the scene such as Capercaillie, Dougie Maclean, Carlos Nunez, Deaf Shepherd, Clueless, Steve Forman, Salsa Celtica, and Shooglenifty to name but a few.
He recently opened a new chapter in his musical career becoming Pipe Major of the Livingston Caledonia Pipe Band.
