Id disgaree with you slightly there Jimmy, most eastern practice chanters have incorrect hole spacing, which gives the notes incorrect pitching even with a quality reed, even the most proficiant piper will sound bad on a chanter that fails to play in tune, a raw learner wont have the knowledge to tape the holes, I always suggest a quality chanter, with the correct spaecings, that plays in tune, will at least go some way to stopping the fledgling piper getting demoralised, the instrument is a challange, without additional hassles such as miles out of tune notes and random hole spaceings. you can pick a reasonable quality, non eastern practice chanter that will last you throughout your pipeing carrear for less than what it costs to fill an average car with petrol. if you buy cheap you buy twice