Buying a Practice Chanter
A practice chanter is the first piece of bagpipe equipment you will buy. It is inexpensive relative to a full set of pipes, so the stakes are lower — but it is still worth knowing what to look for.
Types of Practice Chanters
- Regular practice chanter: The standard size. Good for beginners. Smaller finger spacing than the pipe chanter.
- Long (comparison) practice chanter: Sized to match the pipe chanter more closely. Better for experienced players who want their fingering to transfer directly to the pipes.
Materials
- Plastic: Durable, consistent, and inexpensive. The best choice for most beginners. Easy to clean.
- Wood (hardwood such as rosewood or blackwood): Produces a warmer tone and is preferred by many experienced players. Requires more care to avoid cracking.
What to Check Before Buying
- It should come with a reed, or a reed should be available for it.
- All holes should be clean and well-finished.
- The top (reed seat) should hold the reed snugly without being too tight.
Do I Need Anything Else?
Along with the practice chanter and reed, you will want:
- A small supply of replacement reeds
- Some hemp for the reed seat if the reed is loose
- Sheet music or printed fingering charts (see the sheet music section)