Hi everyone,
I’d like to share a new audio dataset I’ve just uploaded to the Hub: Scottish Highland Bagpipes – Preview Pack
What it is
- A preview audio dataset of the Scottish Highland bagpipes (the iconic, full-volume pipes used in bands, ceremonies, and solo performance).
- Contains scale exercises, gracenote examples, strikes, sustained tones, and a short tune excerpt.
- Recorded at 96 kHz / 24-bit, with chanter mic focus (drone mic to be included in the upcoming full dataset).
- Designed as an early release ahead of a full dataset for AI training and sound design use.
Why it might be useful
- Highland pipes are almost entirely absent from existing AI audio training resources — this helps fill that gap for researchers and developers.
- Useful for machine learning tasks (instrument recognition, generative modeling, DSP testing) and for musicians/producers curious about authentic folk instruments.
- Metadata, README, and rights declaration included for clarity and reproducibility.
Roadmap
This is the second release in a planned Celtic & Folk Instrument series. Upcoming datasets will include:
- Full Highland bagpipes
- Irish low whistle
- Irish flute
- Bodhrán
- Additional vocal and instrumental traditions
Open to feedback
I’d love to hear your thoughts:
- What formats or annotations would make this more useful for your work?
- Any other instruments or features you’d like to see?
Dataset link: Scottish Highland Bagpipes (Preview Pack)
Thanks for taking a look!
— Blake / Harmonic Frontier Audio