Lesson 2: The Practice Chanter
Learn all about the practice chanter of the bagpipes and the chanter reed. You will also learn all the parts and how to select and purchase your first practice chanter.
The Practice Chanter
The practice chanter is used to learn and practice the bagpipes. In-fact you will probably play the practice chanter as much or more than you play the actual bagpipes because it is quitter than the pipes and is more effective and practical for practicing.
How does a Practice Chanter Work?
Buying a Practice Chanter
If you have already bought a practice chanter I hope it doesn't look like the one to my right. This is the worst practice chanter you can buy and many players start out with this chanter because they don't know any better. These chanters are made in Pakistan and are of very poor quality, but because they are cheap people keep buying them. Do yourself a favour and spend the extra money and follow my suggestions below to better equip yourself for the long journey ahead.
Step 1: Short chanter or a long chanter?
Step 2: African black wood or plastic?
Step 3: What brand would you like?
There are many well made brands of practice chanters in the market today. Below are the ones I recommend.
For the beginner child: McCallum Plastic Practice Chanter - Standard
For the beginner adult: McCallum Plastic Practice Chanter - Long
For the experienced player: David Naill - African Blackwood Practice Chanter with Sole - Long
Step 5: Where to order?
The store I suggest is LOTHIAN BAGPIPE SUPPLIES. These guys have a great selection and very competitive prices. Also, there staff are experienced pipers and very knowledgeable. On top of this they also offer my students 5% off.
Enter the Promo Code – BagpipeLessonStudent for a 5% discount on anything at the store.
* When you buy your chanter also buy a roll of WAXED HEMP. You will need it later on.
If you have any further questions about which chanter or reed to order send me an email.