Can anyone who uses a "round" Jackie Boyce bag* comment on its functional aspects? I have only used the rectangular style but have often wished that the back part of it were below me so that I could utilize a bit of downward pressure (underarm to hip) from time to time. Might this be one of the advantages of the round design? Any comments could be greatly appreciated.

*http://store.pipers.ie/store/product/8032/Uilleann-Pipe-Bag---Type-4---B/
http://www.pipebagmaker.com/products/10-uilleann.aspx

I had a few private messages asking me to let senders know how this round bag design worked out for me so that's why I'm answering my own post:

Ordering and paying for the bag was easily done at Mr. Boyce's website and it very quickly arrived nicely packed (about ten days from order to arrival). Mr. Boyce was very helpful and thoroughly answered all questions I had. The bag is well made (hand stitched), air-tight and looks very nice (so much so I could have just as well left it as it is but following Pat Sky's advice posted on the Forum I made a nice cover for it from a low wale corduroy that provides a good grip and hopefully will protect it).

In the end, the round bag design does exactly what I hoped it would do: it provides more bag underneath the arm rather than behind it. A year ago at the Pipers' Gathering a well-known maker and player showed me how he utilizes his abdomen and hip in positioning his pipes into a more favorable playing position. It also stabilizes and supports the bag arm a bit more than a longer, narrower bag.

It is different from the more traditional design and takes a bit of time to get used to it. It may be a good idea to try it out first before you change your design.