Practice Chanter

**Rampant Lion** · 18th October 07, 01:54 PM

Ok, I just got a call from the wife at work. Apparently her boss (a Campbell) is interested in learning the bagpipes, but the only practice chanters he could find in Calgary are out of his price range; apparently around $150. So since she knows I read this forum she figured I could ask around here.

So pipers, recommend some decent, reasonably priced practice chanters to me please. Links to anything purchasable over the internet would be appreciated.

Thanks!

**pipesndrumsnun** · 18th October 07, 02:06 PM

Hey, there!
Gibson and Dunbar are both good choices...he should be able to find them at any reputable shop. They will probably range from 70-85 dollars, but sense they are "delrin/polypenco", they are nearly indestructable!
His best bet, though, would be to get a teacher first, as teachers often want you to have a specific kind of PC.
Good luck to him!

**McClef** · 18th October 07, 02:10 PM

Alas unable to help in a Canadian context. Got mine in Bagpipes Galore in Edinburgh for what would have been close to CAD $200!

**haukehaien** · 18th October 07, 02:16 PM

Seconded on Dunbar ... they make a nice PC and are in Canada, so it shouldn't be an issue to get them shipped. Their website has the long PCs for $84 CAD.

**BEEDEE** · 18th October 07, 03:12 PM

I have a Dunbar as well - well made, good tone, and fairly tolerant of different reads. DO NOT get the short version, buy the long or millenium model. The long models have the holes much closer to the spacing on a regular bagpipe chanter.

Brian.

**Macman** · 18th October 07, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by pipesndrumsnun

Hey, there!
Gibson and Dunbar are both good choices...he should be able to find them at any reputable shop. They will probably range from 70-85 dollars, but sense they are "delrin/polypenco", they are nearly indestructable!
His best bet, though, would be to get a teacher first, as teachers often want you to have a specific kind of PC.
Good luck to him!

Good advice! He shouldn't have to spend any more than that. I would add the McCallum to the list as well, and second the advice that he should make sure he gets a long PC.

**beloitpiper** · 18th October 07, 03:37 PM

I have a McCallum, but more importantly I'd say that you should get Gibson practice chanter reed.

**davidlpope** · 18th October 07, 06:23 PM

Dunbar "Long" Practice Chanter. No doubt in my mind. These things are indestructable and have nice countersunk holes that mimic the spacing of the holes on the pipe chanter. I'd strongly advise against any of the cheap wooden practice chanters that are available. No need to reopen a "Pakistani Pipes" thread, but I think your friend will be better served in the long run with the Dunbar.

I've included a link to a supplier I have used with good result to show you what I'm talking about. You may be able to find tem cheaper elsewhere, though.

http://www.toneczar.com/index.asp?Pa...ROD&ProdID=130

Cordially,
David

**Balaamsass51** · 19th October 07, 03:57 AM

Check out www.thecarolinacelt.com

They have a nice selection of practice chanters, 34 in fact.

They carry those manufacturers the other posts mention, and Duncan Souter Bagpipes. My son has one of his long practice chanters and likes it very much.

Matt

**mexpiper** · 19th October 07, 06:36 PM

Dunbar Chanter.... is the one I have and is very nice. I would strongly suggest that he find a teacher 1st. The teacher can recommend a chanter, and would know where to get one from. ( I have had 3 different practice chanters- one was a cheap one.. the second was a Shepard- It was stolen when my car was stolen).

Best of Luck!