Quote Originally Posted by Colonel MacNeal View Post
Help!?

Need some advice on Chanters. Mein Frau bought me a practice chanter a few years ago, but my fingertips lack sufficient sensation to find and cover the holes. I've even thought about putting corn pads around the holes.

Used to play the Sax and Clarinet when I was a kid, but operating those keys is a lot easier than working the holes in a chanter. Help! I either need a chanter with easy holes or is there a chanter with keys?

I would love to learn the pipes, but my damn fingertips are so damn numb. (yes I know what is wrong with them so please don't offer medical advice)

Thanks in advance, ColMac
Unfortunately, you may be out of luck. AFAIK, there are no practice chanters with keys (although I've read rumors of a 'Brian Boru' chanter???).

There are some makers that countersink the holes of their practice chanters (Naill comes to mind - I have a standard polypenco). That may make it a little easier to feel the holes until you get used to finger placement. Most bagpipe chanters are not countersunk though.

Putting pads around the holes may work, but I'd be concerned about being able to completely cover and seal the hole.

Best of luck!