Wanted: Top part of a practice chanter

[Danwell]

I know it's probably a slightly odd request, but I'm wondering if there are any old pipers out there who have some spare bits and pieces lying around who might have just the top section of a practice chanter?

The band I'm playing with have let me borrow a set of pipes, but they don't have any chanters. Mine was second hand when I bought it and is a little worse for wear these days - the pretend "ivory" is falling apart and it means that the top part that you blow into no longer seals on the bottom section with the finger holes. The bottom is still useable because the old cracking ivory stuff doesn't effect how it plays, but the top is definitely giving trouble.

Is there anyone who can help?

[glenlivet]

I'd recommend you try this post on http://forums.bobdunsire.com/forums/index.php if you haven't already.

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

If you don't find one, make it yourself.

Use an appropriately sized piece of plastic pipe and wrap enough tape around the joint to seal it. The top end can be closed with a plastic wine bottle cork and a piece of smaller tube.

I did this for an old chanter before I had a practice chanter.

[rtc872]

post some pics. I might be able to advise how you can fix it or if that fails I have a practice chanter that the bottom broke. Seeing a picture would help in knowing if it would fit or not.

[Danwell]

Thanks for the pointer Glenlivet. I'll have a look at the Dunsire forums and will post up something tomorrow.

Ozark.....your McGyver-like solution sounds ok short term, but I play my chanter every day and I don't think it's a long term fix.

RTC - I'll see if I can get some pictures up. If the top half of the chanter you have is surplus I'd be eternally grateful for the opportunity to take it off your hands.